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Technical Papers

76. Simulation, Development, and Field Measurement Validation of an Isolation System for a New Electronics Cabinet in the Space Shuttle Launch Environment within the Mobile Launch Platform

This paper describes the dynamic analysis of an isolator system for the cabinet-mounted low voltage power switchgear in the Space Shuttle Mobile Launch Platform (MLP). The addition of electronic sensing and control components to this cabinet combined with the harsh vibration environment experienced during a Shuttle launch necessitated a six degree of freedom isolation system to prevent the spurious tripping of breakers. An added benefit of the isolation system is that it provides vibration isolation during the Shuttle’s approximately three mile journey between the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and either of its two launch pads. The isolation system was designed, built, and integrated within the MLP. Broadband dynamic measurements were made during an actual Shuttle launch to verify the effectiveness of the isolation system and to validate the predictions of the analysis. Measurements made during the launch of STS-115 on September 9, 2006, affirmed the effectiveness of the isolators and validated the predicted performance of the isolation system.

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30. Experimental and Analytical Study of a System Consisting of Sliding Bearings and Fluid Restoring Force/Damping Devices

This report describes an experimental study of the behavior of a bridge seismic sliding isolation system consisting of flat sliding bearings and fluid restoring force/damping devices. Earthquake simulator tests were performed on a model bridge structure both with isolators and without. The experimental results demonstrate a marked increase of the capacity of the isolated bridge to withstand earthquake forces. Analytical techniques are used to predict the dynamic response of the system and the obtained results are in very good agreement with the experimental results.

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31. Study of Seismic Isolation Systems for Computer Floors

This report describes the development and testing of a computer floor seismic isolation systems which uses existing devices developed for the seismic isolation of buildings and shock isolation of military equipment. A computer floor system with raised floor and a generic slender equipment cabinet was constructed. It was isolated by spherically shaped sliding bearings and was highly damped either by utilizing high friction in the bearings or by installing fluid viscous dampers. The spherically shaped bearings provided the simplest means of achieving long period in the isolation system under low gravity load. The isolation system prevented rocking of the cabinet on top of the isolated floor and substantially reduced its acceleration response in comparison to that of a conventional computer floor. An analytical study was also conducted in order to extend the results to a range of parameters which could not be tested.

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32. Application of Fluid Viscous Dampers to Earthquake Design

This article summarizes the extensive viscous dampers investigation performed by NCEER at State University of New York, Buffalo Campus. This included computer modeling of both the dampers and complete isolated systems, along with shake table testing and correlation of results. The article also describes a very large damper projects; dampers + base isolation for a set of five hospital buildings near San Bernardino, CA.

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34. Fear of Trembling

This article describes the effects of both Kobe earthquake and the Northridge earthquake in detail, including technical and economic details. It also discusses building codes and practices and what is being done around the world to decrease the risk of severe seismic damage.

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