Development of a Broadband Vibration Excitation/Suppression Device Using Electropermanent Magnets

Abstract

A single-degree-of-freedom mechanical system composed of mass, stiffness, and damping elements exhibits a resonant response characterized by a peak at its natural frequency and a Q factor determined by these parameters. While high-Q resonance enables high gain in applications such as vibration actuators and energy harvesters, it also narrows the operating bandwidth and increases sensitivity to parameter variations. To overcome this trade-off, the author developed a broadband vibration device that switches its degrees of freedom using an electropermanent magnet (EPM), achieving broadband operation without directly tuning mechanical parameters.