Leaf flexure hinge with damping layers: Theoretical model and experiments

Flexure-based mechanisms like compliant actuation system embed complex dynamics which will reduces the control bandwidth and limit their dynamic positioning precision. This paper presents a theoretical model of a leaf flexure hinge with damping layers using strain energy method and Kelvin damping model. The free vibration signals of the hinge in three different damping configurations are measured. The experimental modal analysis also is performed on the three kinds of damped leaf flexure hinges in order to evaluate their 1^st bending natural frequency and vibration-suppressing effects. The experimental results indicate that the constrained layer (CL) damping can enhance the structure damping of the hinge even if only single damping layer each side, and it is necessary that the dimensional parameters of the damping layers and basic layer of the hinge should be optimized for simplification in the mechanism's design stage.