ISOMAG is an easy-to-operate program for calculating and designing a vibration-isolated installation on the basis of a rigid-body model. It can be used to calculate the double vibration isolation. Additionally, ISOMAG considers elastic installation sites by approximation. The program has a graphic user interface and is supported by implemented wizards. Currently, ISOMAG 2.0 is available, a version of the ISOMAG 1.2 program complemented by the features mentioned below.
The ISOMAG 2.0 version was developed by the company ITI Gesellschaft für ingenieurtechnische Informationsverarbeitung mbH on behalf of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It was finished in 2013 and is based on the current state of research. ISOMAG 2.0 includes the following essential modifications when compared to ISOMAG 1.2:

• simplified operation
• extended scope of elements (prisms with freely definable area)
• conversion of the compatibility to contemporary Windows versions (XP, Vista, Windows 7, and 8)
• conversion of the isolator database to the SQL format CAD-Import: low-Level CAD models (STL format) from CAD systems can be imported; automatic inertia calculation
• isolators can be edited in a clear table form
• adjustable default values for new isolators
• advanced animation feature (export of the animation as video; animation speed can be changed)
• result windows and their settings are stored together with the model
• undo/redo features: accidental changes can be undone
• correction of known bugs of version 1.2

The software "ISOMAG 2.0 - Ergänzungen und Änderungen" (amendments and modifications) consists of an installation file installing both the ISOMAG program and the comprehensive manual in German on the user's PC. The manual contains the changes regarding the versions 1.1 and 1.2, as well as the general program description.

The program is a 32 bit application and compatible with the operating systems MS Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8. Version 2.0 relies on an SQL database including information on vibration isolators in order to calculate and design the vibration isolation. This database (DB) is part of the installation file.

The program may be operated both in German and in English, switching between both languages is possible at any time.

The following must be observed: unfortunately, we are not capable of providing any technical support.

Mode of operation of the program

The following figure shows a desktop of the program including a simple example. The machine to be calculated may consist of several bodies that are connected to one another with a different rigidity and generated by a simple mouse click on the sheet. Harmonic excitation forces, individual pulses or pulse sequences, and imbalance are possible excitations. In this, it is also possible to pointwise specify F(t) curves. The support excitation can be defined as a(t), v(t), s(t), or harmonic and pulse-type, respectively. All existing excitations are overlapped in a phase-compliant manner within the program. The parameters of the spring elements can be selected from a database with more than 3000 isolators from different manufacturers. Taking into consideration different dynamic and static rigidities is possible. In so doing, the dampening properties of the spring elements are also taken into consideration. Either known values may be used or global approaches for steel or rubber springs may be selected. The validity of the theory of small dampings is always presumed in so doing.

The installation location may be rigid or have elastic properties calculated by approximation by the program for homogeneous plates or beams. Furthermore, different boundary conditions and materials may be taken into consideration. Additionally, it is possible to directly specify the measured eigenfrequency, e.g. of a ribbed ceiling. The relative position of the machine regarding the installation location is taken into consideration by approximation when calculating the reduced spring rigidity of the installation location.

All results are always calculated in all degrees of freedom so that the simplifications required during manual design processes are not required.

How results are displayed

All elements of the model can be positioned freely and may be defined, relocated, or even rotated interactively and numerically. Elements may be marked for parameterisation either in the model window or using the project tree. The project tree allows for a quick overview of the model and a targeted marking of small and hidden objects. In order to guarantee a clear representation, the colours of the objects can be selected freely. Additionally, they can be displayed as full body, transparently, and as a wire frame model, or made invisible. The model can either be represented in three technical views and one 3D view in four windows or in one window in a freely selectable view. The user may interactively apply dimensions to body edges so that dimensioned sketches can be adopted to the printed results.

Initially, the eigenfrequencies and modular forms are displayed that may also be represented in an animation. Furthermore, the static and dynamic load both of individual isolators and for the entire installation location can be determined. Compliance with the specified load or deformation thresholds of the isolators is monitored. For self-defined points and the isolators, time solution, frequency response, and magnification feature of deformation and load may be represented graphically (see example below). Spectra or frequency response functions may be formed from calculated time solutions. Distance, velocity, and acceleration can be output for points both in the three spatial directions and as vector amount.

This is how comfortable ISOMAG 2.0 is

Another advantage of the program: After having defined and parameterised the machine parts (masses and moments of inertia), as well as arranged the spring elements, the design or optimisation of the isolation can be performed using integrated wizards. After having specified a degree of isolation to be achieved, the program generates selection conditions that can be changed and complemented. These conditions can be used in order to select suitable spring elements from the integrated isolator database. If the desired degree of isolation cannot be achieved using single isolation, a wizard for double vibration insulation can be used in order to create an intermediate foundation of a suitable size. Moreover, it is possible to select isolators having suitable properties from the database. Furthermore, proprietary isolators can be added to the SQL database by the user outside of the program.

All results are updated after every change to the model. As a consequence, changes to the position or the parameters of elements can be assessed immediately regarding their effects. In this, it is helpful that individual result curves (time functions, magnification functions, etc.) can be "frozen". Thereby, they are no longer subject to any changes to the model. Numerous aids, such as duplicating or orienting elements or graphic interactive rotating and relocating views, allow for working comfortably. Size and number of the windows can be changed. Likewise, a normally oriented view can be restored with a click of the mouse. In this, statically indeterminate installations or exceeded thresholds are displayed.

The results are output using a downstream printing program. It creates a report including all essential information and the desired results, including the picture sketches of the model and the result curves (time solutions, magnification function, etc.). This report can be edited and may be complemented by proprietary text modules, images, or objects.

In summary: The ISOMAG vibration isolation program allows for working quickly and efficiently. It can be used readily due to its graphical user interface and the integrated controls and wizards. With its help the vibration-isolated installation of machines and devices can be designed and optimised quickly and economically.

Notes

The ISOMAG 2.0 programme is freeware and can be downloaded free of charge. The software may be used commercially, for teaching purposes and for private use. The distribution of ISOMAG to third parties is permitted. Modifying ISOMAG or offering it for download from other servers is not permitted.
The correct execution of ISOMAG under current operating system versions is only possible to a limited extent; unfortunately, ISOMAG no longer works at all with certain Windows 10 versions.
Updates or the release of a new version of ISOMAG is not planned.

The BAuA no longer offers any support beyond the FAQ.