Abstract: A dual spring includes a pair of conically-shaped spring sections, which are joined at a common fulcrum. One of the spring sections is disposed radially inward from the fulcrum and the other of the spring sections is disposed radially outward from the fulcrum. Both of the conical sections open axially in the same direction relative to the fulcrum section.

Abstract: A vibration control system is provided for an appendage such as an antenna 10 coupled to a platform such as a spacecraft 12. The antenna 10 is coupled at a base 14 so as to extend from the spacecraft 12. A plurality of guidelines 20 extend between remote portions 22 of the antenna 10 and the antenna base 14. A plurality of motion control elements 36 are provided within the antenna structure for reducing oscillation settling time of the antenna 10 relative to the spacecraft 12. The motion control elements 36 include a material disposed therein having its damping response changed according to the magnitude of an electric or magnetic field applied thereto.