Fluidlastic® Dampers and Isolators for Vibration Control in Helicopters

A new technology called Fluidlastic® combines fluids with bonded elastomeric elements to provide unique dynamic performance in solving vibration control and damping problems in helicopters. These devices accommodate all relative motion through flexing of the elastomer eliminating dynamic seals and achieving long, predictable service life. Incorporation of the fluid facilitates the design of devices with a much broader range of dynamic characteristics than can be achieved with elastomers alone. Substantial energy dissipation, as required in lead-lag dampers, can be provided. Large inertial forces with little damping as required in tuned vibration absorbers and pylon isolators can also be achieved. Prototype parts have been designed, built and tested in both damper and pylon isolator configurations. Laboratory test results of the prototypes have confirmed feasibility of this technology for these applications. These results have been consistent with analytical performance predictions. Temperature tests and accelerated endurance tests have also been completed successfully. Whirl tower and flight tests of production-oriented hardware are currently underway.