Implementation of the KDamper concept using disc springs

The KDamper is a novel passive vibration isolation and damping concept, based essentially on the optimal combination of appropriate stiffness elements, which include a negative stiffness element. In this paper, after a short review of the optimal design and the selection of the parameters of the KDamper, the main concept focuses on the implementation of the negative stiffness elements with a set of Belleville (disc) springs. The major benefits of the proposed structure are the size and the robustness of the structure. The theory and the design process of the disc springs are presented thoroughly, as well as of the spiral springs with ground ends, along with an initial structural design. Simulation results from three different case scenarios are demonstrated; for an initial displacement, an initial velocity and an external excitation. The results obtained from the simulations show very satisfactory behavior