VibraVoid – Vibration Avoidance with Acoustic Black Holes in Spacecraft

In the space industry, random structural vibrations and shock loads pose significant design challenges, often causing fractures in brittle components, joint slippage and failure of sensitive electronics. New countermeasures to control vibrations are therefore essential. This project explores an innovative approach using a phenomenon similar to black holes to reduce vibration in lightweight space structures.

Special structures known as Acoustic Black Holes (ABH) cause sound waves to disappear in narrow regions. Studies show that ABHs can reduce vibrations by 30 dB with a mass saving of 26%. Integrating ABHs into aerospace structures involves creating dents or cross-sectional reductions combined with damping material. ABHs are ideal for lightweight structures and can be applied to satellites, launchers or rovers.

The project aims to develop a technology demonstrator of a space structure with integrated ABHs. Ultimately, the technology will be transferred to other industries, due to ABHs’ wide range of applications.

Benefits:

• Reduction of random structural vibrations in space structures
• Lightweight structure with up to 26% mass saving potential
• Wide range of spin-off transfer applications, e.g. for the automotive industry