Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing vibrations in an electrical device, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of stacked metal plates, wherein the stacked metal plates move frictionally opposed to one another upon excitation of the device, and wherein movement of the stacked metal plates produces damping of the vibrations. The apparatus further comprises a clamp retaining the stacked metal plates, and a plurality of retaining mechanisms, wherein the clamp adjusts a force holding the stacked metal plates together, and wherein the clamp controls an amount of friction produced by the movement of the stacked metal plates. Also, the surfaces of the stacked metal plates comprise a machined surface finish, wherein the machined surface finish controls an amount of friction produced by the movement of the stacked metal plates. Moreover, the stacked metal plates are dimensioned and configured to control a frequency response of the vibrations.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether leaks exist in a pressure vessel comprises measuring a mechanical response of the pressure vessel using any of an acoustic sensor and a vibration sensor; processing the mechanical response using a digital signal processor system; categorizing the processed mechanical response into events of interest and events not of interest; and determining if any of a ballistic impact and penetration of the pressure vessel has occurred based on the processed mechanical response, wherein the mechanical response comprises any of an acoustic response and a vibration response, wherein the events of interest comprise any of environmental events and ballistic events, wherein the categorizing comprises differentiating the environmental events from the ballistic events, and wherein the events not of interest comprise noise.