Damped response analysis of nonlinear cushion systems by a linearization method

Dynamic loading often plays a critical role in the functional performance and mechanical reliability of packaged components and devices. The prediction of the drop-impact response of the structural element of electronic components becomes one of the important concerns in product design. The interaction response between the cushion system and its packed products is also focused. In the analysis of these dynamic responses, the cushion system is often simplified as a linear and un-damped system. However, in reality, the stiffness of the cushion system is nonlinear and the damping effect cannot be ignored in the drop-impact process. Therefore, an algorithm for the nonlinear response analysis of viscous damping models is presented in this study. The whole cushion buffer is first represented by a multi-degree-of-freedom system in this model. Nonlinear characteristics and viscous damping are included in the system. The developed mathematical model provides a practical and reliable method to predict the dynamic behaviors of nonlinear systems with viscous damping. The effects of nonlinear characteristics and viscous damping in the protection of packaged products are both discussed in this paper. The discussion provides a useful insight that both nonlinear characteristics and viscous damping can reduce “rigid impact” to certain level.