A vibration isolator (10) including an electrorheological fluid filled partition assembly (18) for providing variable dynamic stiffness characteristics. The partition assembly (18) separates the variable volume fluid chambers (32, 44) of the isolator and includes movable electrode elements (56, 58) which define therebetween a chamber (54) containing an electrorheological fluid. A fixed electrode (60) is positioned between the movable electrode elements (56, 58) and separates the chamber (54) into upper and lower portions. A plurality of openings (66) extend through the fixed electrode (60) allowing for passage of the electrorheological fluid between the portions in response to movement of the movable electrode elements (56, 58). The yield stress developed in the electrorheological fluid by application of an electric field constrains movement of the movable electrode elements (56, 58) in response to input excitations thereby providing the isolator (10) with a selectable dynamic stiffness.
展开▼
