A methodology for identifying optimum vibration absorbers with a reaction mass

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Structural Dynamics
• Vibration Control

Background:

• Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are widely used for vibration suppression.
• Tuned mass damper inerters (TMDIs) offer improved performance but their design space is largely unexplored.
• A lack of systematic methodologies limits the investigation of novel absorber configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a systematic approach for identifying optimum vibration absorbers with a reaction mass.
• To enable the comprehensive investigation of a full class of absorber layouts.
• To explore novel configurations of springs, dampers, and inerters for vibration control.

Main Methods:

• Development of a systematic methodology using generic Immittance-Function-Networks.
• Application of the approach to a 3 degrees-of-freedom structure example.
• Systematic investigation of absorber layouts with a reaction mass and a predetermined number of inerters, dampers, and springs.

Main Results:

• The proposed approach facilitates the systematic exploration of numerous absorber layouts.
• Demonstration of advantages through a 3 d.f. structure example.
• Identification of potentially superior vibration absorber configurations.

Conclusions:

• The developed approach provides a powerful tool for designing advanced vibration absorbers.
• It overcomes the limitations of current methods in exploring the design space of TMDIs and similar devices.
• Enables the discovery of new, highly effective vibration suppression systems.