IntelliStrut™ is a load-bearing, compact, active-passive vibration control system based on our MSM actuator and control technology aimed at airborne and marine applications, which is capable of precision control of very heavy dynamic loads in a compact footprint.  Ambient temperature models are ideal for reducing noise from motors, shafts, and pumps.  Reduced environmental noise means reduced danger of hearing loss, reduced fatigue, and improved performance of personnel; increased lifetime of isolated structures, and reduced maintenance needs.  These attributes are critical on Navy ships to meet aggressive manpower reduction goals. On submarines they are indispensable for preventing acoustic propagation of vibrations into the surrounding water, which pose a detection hazard. 

Energen offers a cryogenic IntelliStrut™ model for shipboard use for stabilization of sea-based directed energy weapons, which operate at 2 – 4 degrees above absolute zero.  Now that the 10 kW power milestone has been met for the Free Electron Laser (FEL), enabling technologies for FEL-based weapons systems are receiving increased focus.  Stabilizing FEL mirror vibrations so that the laser can deliver full power is critical.  Vibration isolation is especially important at sea, as ships vibrate at levels an order of magnitude higher than land-based systems. IntelliStrut™ performs to the most stringent specifications required for FEL vibration isolation.

IntelliStrut™ actuators, high-sensitivity custom-designed accelerometers, viscoelastic pads for passive damping of high-frequency components, and real-time digital signal processing to encompass a comprehensive, real-time active vibration control solution that works from absolute zero to over 125°C.  Single axis and multi-axis versions are under development for both ambient and cryogenic temperature applications. Development of the three-axis cryogenic IntelliStrut will be completed in September 2005 and six-axis ambient and cryogenic models are planned for 2007. IntelliStrut contains no pneumatic components and is compatible with the All-Electric Navy initiative.