Modeling and Validation of Domain Screening Inertial Switch Based on Load Space

This article introduces a new two-degree-of-freedom (TDOF) inertial switch that utilizes the load space concept in its design for domain screening. The load space consists of 3-D: impact load duration, impact load amplitude, and impact response of the structure. The switch uses a “racing mechanism” to screen impact loads within a target region of the load space; this screening capability is called “domain screening.” Finite element simulations and drop hammer shock tests were conducted to validate its performance. Both simulation and experimental outcomes affirm the switch’s effectiveness in domain screening within the specified load space. To improve the precision of describing the domain screening capabilities of the switch, we developed a dynamic model and simplified the nonlinear terms related to free vibrations into control parameters
${E}{1}$
–
${E}{5}$
to solve nonlinear equations. These parameters were fitted using a grid search method, with the numerical solution of the dynamic model serving as a reference. Consequently, we derived an explicit expression for the domain-dividing curves in the load space, offering a mathematical description of the switch’s domain screening capability. Integrating the load space concept and the racing mechanism introduces a novel strategy for designing inertial switches.