Modeling of multistage pendulums: Triple pendulum suspension for GEO 600

Extensive dynamic six degree-of-freedom modeling of a multiple pendulum sus pension has been developed for application to the design and analysis of th e planned suspensions for the main mirrors in GEO 600, the German/United Ki ngdom gravitational wave detector. Two models were developed independently, and results from both were compared with the experiment to verify their ap plicability. The models have been applied to investigate the optimization o f parameters for achieving the desired modal behavior. In addition, the lev els of cross coupling between degrees of freedom due to mechanical misalign ments have been investigated and shown to be within acceptable limits. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(00)00605-5].