Waite, Clinton2025-07-072024Waite, Clinton.(2024). A linear vibration isolator integrating a non-linear energy sink (nes) [Masters dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/45325https://hdl.handle.net/10539/45325A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science , In the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment , School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024This report investigates the integration of traditional linear vibration isolators with non-linear energy sinks (NES) to enhance vibration control in structures subjected to dynamic loading. Structures often respond to dynamic loads—such as machinery vibrations, seismic activity, and environmental factors—by vibrating at their natural frequencies, potentially leading to resonance and structural failure. Vibration isolation and damping systems, such as linear isolators and NES, mitigate these effects. Linear isolators are effective at higher frequencies but have limited performance at lower frequencies, while NES systems offer broader frequency- range effectiveness. This study explores the effectiveness of combining these systems to optimize vibration control. Through simulation of both simple and complex setups, the research compares the vibration response of traditional linear isolators, NES-integrated isolators, and NES systems combined with additional damping elements. Key findings demonstrate that integrating NES with linear isolators significantly reduces peak transmissibility and improves vibration reduction under harmonic and seismic loading. However, the integration's effectiveness varies depending on system configuration and specific loading conditions, highlighting the need for further optimization. The study also presents a parametric analysis for designing vibration control systems tailored to diverse applications, offering valuable insights for engineering practice in reducing structural vibrations.en© 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.UCTDTraditional linear isolatorNon-linear Energy SinkNESVibration isolationDissertationSDG-9: Industry, innovation and infrastructureSDG-7: Affordable and clean energy