Abstract: Embodiments of an isolator are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation system employing a number of three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the isolator includes a damper assembly and a thermal compensator external to the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes, in turn, a damper housing and a first hydraulic chamber, which is located within the damper housing and which is configured to contain a damping fluid. The thermal compensator includes a thermal compensator chamber, which is fluidly coupled to the first hydraulic chamber and which is configured to exchange damping fluid therewith during operation of the isolator. A thermal compensator bellows bounds an inner circumference of the thermal compensator chamber such that the bellows is externally pressurized when the first hydraulic chamber and the thermal compensator chamber are filled with the damping fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of isolators, such as three parameter isolators, including a main spring linear guide system are provided. In one embodiment, the isolator includes first and second opposing end portions, a main spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions, and a linear guide system extending from the first end portion, across the main spring, and toward the second end portion. The linear guide system expands and contracts in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of isolators, such as three parameter isolators, including a main spring linear guide system are provided. In one embodiment, the isolator includes first and second opposing end portions, a main spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions, and a linear guide system extending from the first end portion, across the main spring, and toward the second end portion. The linear guide system expands and contracts in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vibration isolation system are provided. In one embodiment, the vibration isolation system includes a first isolator having opposing mounting interfaces, a tuning spring disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces and coupled in series with the tuning spring, as taken along a first load path through the first isolator. A controller is operably coupled to the piezoelectric actuator. During operation of the isolation system, the controller varies a control voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator to dampen vibrations transmitted through the first load path.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vibration isolation system are provided. In one embodiment, the vibration isolation system includes a first isolator having opposing mounting interfaces, a tuning spring disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces, and a piezoelectric actuator disposed between the opposing mounting interfaces and coupled in series with the tuning spring, as taken along a first load path through the first isolator. A controller is operably coupled to the piezoelectric actuator. During operation of the isolation system, the controller varies a control voltage supplied to the piezoelectric actuator to dampen vibrations transmitted through the first load path.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low profile three parameter isolator are provided, as are embodiments of an isolation system employing one or more low profile three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the three parameter isolator includes a first damper and a flat plate structure, which is coupled to the first damper and which extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the isolator. A main spring is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in series with the first damper, as taken along a first load path through the three parameter isolator. A tuning spring is also formed in the flat plate structure such that the tuning spring is coupled in parallel with the main spring and in series with the first damper, as taken along a second load path through the three parameter isolator.

Abstract: Embodiments of isolators including magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices are provided, as are embodiments of magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices. In one embodiment, the isolator includes a damper assembly and a magnetically-assisted thermal compensator (“TC”). The magnetically-assisted TC includes, in turn, a TC chamber fluidly coupled to the damper assembly and configured to exchange damping fluid therewith. A TC piston is slidably disposed within the TC chamber and exposed to damping fluid when the TC chamber is filled therewith. A TC bellows is sealingly coupled to the TC piston and exerts a resilient bias force thereon. A magnetic preload system is further coupled to the TC piston and exerts a magnetic bias force thereon, which combines with the resilient bias force provided by the TC bellows to impart the magnetically-assisted TC with a predetermined pressure profile over the operative temperature range of the isolator.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low profile three parameter isolator are provided, as are embodiments of an isolation system employing one or more low profile three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the three parameter isolator includes a first damper and a flat plate structure, which is coupled to the first damper and which extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the isolator. A main spring is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in series with the first damper, as taken along a first load path through the three parameter isolator. A tuning spring is also formed in the flat plate structure such that the tuning spring is coupled in parallel with the main spring and in series with the first damper, as taken along a second load path through the three parameter isolator.

Abstract: Embodiments of a three parameter, multi-axis isolator configured to limit the transmission of vibrations between a mass and a base are provided. In one embodiment, the three parameter, multi-axis isolator includes an isolator housing configured to be mounted to the base, opposing bellows sealingly mounted within the isolator housing, and a damper piston movably suspended within the isolator housing between the opposing bellows. The damper piston is configured to be coupled to the mass. The opposing bellows deflect with movement of the damper piston along multiple axes to limit the transmission of vibrations between the mass and the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of isolators including magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices are provided, as are embodiments of magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices. In one embodiment, the isolator includes a damper assembly and a magnetically-assisted thermal compensator (“TC”). The magnetically-assisted TC includes, in turn, a TC chamber fluidly coupled to the damper assembly and configured to exchange damping fluid therewith. A TC piston is slidably disposed within the TC chamber and exposed to damping fluid when the TC chamber is filled therewith. A TC bellows is sealingly coupled to the TC piston and exerts a resilient bias force thereon. A magnetic preload system is further coupled to the TC piston and exerts a magnetic bias force thereon, which combines with the resilient bias force provided by the TC bellows to impart the magnetically-assisted TC with a predetermined pressure profile over the operative temperature range of the isolator.

Abstract: A tunable mass damper (TMD) is provided that can be coupled to a rotating inertia apparatus such as a reaction wheel assembly (RWA). The TMD includes a housing that contains a flexure, a mass, and damping fluid within the housing. The housing is coupled to the flexure, and the flexure is coupled to the mass. The mass is free to sway in the damping fluid. The damping fluid envelops the mass and provides damping between the mass and the housing. At least one of the mass, flexure and the damping fluid can be adjusted to tune the TMD to produce a resonance at or near a mode that is to be mitigated by the TMD such that it operates at a desired or optimal operating frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments of a three parameter, multi-axis isolator configured to limit the transmission of vibrations between a mass and a base are provided. In one embodiment, the three parameter, multi-axis isolator includes an isolator housing configured to be mounted to the base, opposing bellows sealingly mounted within the isolator housing, and a damper piston movably suspended within the isolator housing between the opposing bellows. The damper piston is configured to be coupled to the mass. The opposing bellows deflect with movement of the damper piston along multiple axes to limit the transmission of vibrations between the mass and the base.

Abstract: A tunable mass damper (TMD) is provided that can be coupled to a rotating inertia apparatus such as a reaction wheel assembly (RWA). The TMD includes a housing that contains a flexure, a mass, and damping fluid within the housing. The housing is coupled to the flexure, and the flexure is coupled to the mass. The mass is free to sway in the damping fluid. The damping fluid envelops the mass and provides damping between the mass and the housing. At least one of the mass, flexure and the damping fluid can be adjusted to tune the TMD to produce a resonance at or near a mode that is to be mitigated by the TMD such that it operates at a desired or optimal operating frequency.