Pneumatics does not present such a severe picture because the isolation contribution is largely pneumatic and the thin elastomeric membrane has little contribution at pressures of 4 bar and larger. This powerful series of large ground motions were the largest in Los Angeles modern history. The key ingredient to the survivability of this special program is the seismic shock and vibration isolation system which supports the seismic bench. This active system reinitialized itself and is currently in the same position as pre-earthquake alignment even though the supply of air pressure was interrupted during the event. Vibration Isolation in a Vacuum Chamber Vibration isolation can be internal or external to a vacuum chamber.
Optimum isolation occurs when the payload is isolated internally to the chamber when space permits.
When large isolators are required, the use of sealed flexible penetrations attached to the surface of a large isolated seismic mass under the chamber would be an alternate solution. Both are proven techniques and are operational around the world. Soft flexible special elastomeric vacuum seals are used at each penetration. Back to Vibration Technology Resource Center Back to Home Page.