The objective of this project is to develop an autonomous downhole system to monitor the vibration induced by the process of drilling oil and gas wells, and use these measurements to control an active vibration damper (AVD). The overall system is called the Downhole Vibration Monitoring and Control System, or DVMCS. Use of the DVMCS will significantly reduce the vibration of at the bit and through the entire bottomhole assembly (BHA). This, in turn, will provide significant improvements in the efficiency of the drilling process through several mechanisms: ? By keeping the bit from bouncing, the drilling process can proceed 100% of the time, rather than intermittently. ? By adjusting the stiffness of the damper, the weight actually applied to the bit (WOB) can be maintained in the optimal range, enhancing the efficiency of drilling, and increasing the rate of penetration (ROP). ? By reducing the harmful effects of shock and vibration in the drillstring, the AVD will reduce the likelihood of costly failures of components including drill bits, motors, and expensive measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems.