What is "inerter"

inerter may refer to:

• inerting system, a device to increase the safety of a closed tank that contains highly flammable material
• inerter, an element of mechanical network theory, known as a J-damper when implemented as a real device in the suspensions of Formula 1 racing cars

In the study of mechanical networks in control theory, an inerter is a two-terminal device in which the forces applied at the terminals are equal, opposite, and proportional to relative acceleration between the nodes. Under the name of J-damper the concept has been used in Formula 1 racing car suspension systems.

It can be constructed with a flywheel mounted on a rack and pinion. It has a similar effect to increasing the inertia of the sprung object.