Noise and vibration improvements in vibratory feeders by analytical models and experimental analysis

Vibratory feeders are employed in a wide range of industrial process for the motion of slight elements. The oscillating motion of the feeders may lead to unacceptable vibrations that induce high noise levels and structural failures. In this context, the present work gives a mathematical model for the evaluation of the dynamic behavior of linear vibratory feeders, based on the Eksergian’s equation of motion. The proposed approach is generic being suitable for the use of arbitrary input data in order to provide a tool for the NVH improvement of this type of machine. An extended experimental campaign has been carried out on a real vibratory feeder in order to characterize the mechanical system in terms of torsional oscillations and translational vibrations also. The model verification has been performed by means of the experimental data considering different working conditions. The validity of the simulated results has been achieved in all the tested conditions with a satisfactory accuracy level. Moreover, as a further proof of the model reliability, the simulation results have been exploited for the improvement of the dynamic behavior of a real vibratory feeder.