Development of a novel electrochemically active membrane and 'smart' material based vibration sensor/damper

Vibration control has been achieved using state-of-the-art 'smart' materials. A 'smart' material has been developed from a metallized ionomer membrane called Nafion. This electroded material can sense mechanical vibrations and generate a voltage response. Electroded Nafion has a unique vibrational damping property. Damping with this material is achieved by dissipating the electrical energy generated as heat. This can be done using an external resistance or optimally by creating an internal conductive path. A prototype accelerometer cell has been developed which shows excellent linear characteristics and high sensitivity. It is found that the most critical element in both of the applications is the sum of the internal and the contact resistances of the electroded Nafion hydrogen pressure cell. Accordingly, a study of the resistance of these Nafion-based cells has been made and the results are included and discussed.