Characteristics of distributed parameter isolators

The widely used traditional massless isolator model is only valid at relatively low frequencies. In this paper two classes of distributed parameter isolator, non-dispersive and dispersive, which are valid over a wide range of frequencies, are studied and compared. The important characteristics of such distributed parameter isolators in isolating a mass are given, as are the parameters which control the isolator performance at various frequencies. The theoretical findings for one distributed parameter isolator are validated experimentally using a helical spring, as an example of a non-dispersive isolator.