Performance evaluation of a non-linear tuned mass damper through real-time hybrid simulation

Abstract

Introduction− In this paper, the Real-time Hybrid Simula-tion (RTHS) of a Non-linear Tuned Mass Damper (NTMD) is described, and compares the results with those obtained from conventional experimental tests of a shear, single-storey struc-ture with the NTMD.Objective− The objetive of this article is to evaluate the ef-fectiveness of an RTHS in estimating the performance of an NTMD. Methodology− The methodology consisted of the following three stages: main structure identification, NTMD design, and experimental evaluation of the structure-NTMD system. For the third stage, RTHS and vibrating table tests were used. Results− The results of the vibrating table tests showed that the NTMD reduced 77% and 63% of the peak accelerations and RMS of the main structure, with respect to the structure without control. The values of these reductions obtained with RTHS were 73% and 63%, respectively. The precision indices of the transfer system corresponded to a generalized amplitude of 1.01 and a delay of 2 ms. Conclusions− The NTMD, with a mass ratio of 10%, achieved reductions of more than 60% of the structural response. RTHS and the vibrating table test demonstrated that the NTMD-structure system had only one peak in frequency response. The noise in the RTHS feedback increased the degree of damping of the controlled structure. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated how RTHS is a technique that effectively predicts the RMS acceleration of the structure-NTMD system and can slightly overestimate its peak acceleration

Keywords

• structural control
• non-linear tuned mass damper
• real-time hybrid simulation
• shaking table
• damper-struc-ture interaction