HYDERABAD: An international research team that includes Prof. Hemant Sharma of BITS Pilani has demonstrated a new mechanical system that can automatically adapt to changing vibration conditions without external sensors, electronic controls or power.
The research, based on the concept of mechanical intelligence, was published in the International Journal of Mechanical Sciences. It brings together researchers from BITS Pilani, Seoul National University, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Vibrations are a common problem in machines, vehicles, precision equipment and lightweight structures. Excessive vibration can affect accuracy, accelerate wear and damage components. Conventional vibration protection systems are generally designed for fixed conditions, while advanced systems that respond to changing vibrations often depend on sensors, controllers, actuators and external power.
The team developed a structure that can switch automatically between two stable states when vibration conditions become unfavourable. “When vibrations build up near resonance, the structure’s own movement and stored mechanical energy trigger the transition. This changes its stiffness and resonant behaviour, helping reduce excessive vibrations without external sensing or electronic control,” explained Prof. Sharma.
The researchers first used computational design and optimisation to develop the system, then built a prototype and tested it through static and dynamic experiments. The tests confirmed that the structure could maintain two distinct states and switch between them as vibration conditions changed.
Experimental demonstrations and analysis were carried out in the laboratory of Prof. Jinkyu Yang at Seoul National University, which played a central role in establishing the concept’s practical feasibility.
Prof. Sharma contributed to the research through conceptualisation, supervision, and critical review and refinement of the manuscript. He said the approach could make vibration protection simpler, more dependable and energy-efficient, while reducing maintenance requirements.
Potential applications include manufacturing, transportation, machinery and precision equipment, where changing vibration conditions can affect performance and the life of components.
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