Abstract
This paper investigates the applicability of pneumatic actuator to active vibration isolation system using negative stiffness. First, a control method of realizing negative stiffness with an pneumatic actuator is derived based on a single-degree-of-freedom model. Its efficacy is verified in a fabricated single-axis apparatus. Then a zero-compliance mechanism is realized by connecting a suspension with negative stiffness and a suspension with positive stiffness; both the suspensions use fabricated pneumatic actuators. Next, such zero-compliance mechanism was also achieved in a developed three-axis active vibration isolation system using the pneumatic actuators. The dynamic characteristics of the system to direct disturbance were estimated experimentally.
