Design of adjustable Tuned Mass Dampers using elastomeric O-rings. (27th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, N.; Rongong, J.A.; Sims, N.D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sound and vibration. Volume 433(2018)
• Page Start: 334
• Page End: 348
• Publication Date: 2018-10-27
• Subjects: Variable stiffness -- Elastomeric damping -- Vibration control -- Analytical model -- Experimental study; Sound -- Periodicals; Vibration -- Periodicals; Son -- Périodiques; Vibration -- Périodiques; Sound; Vibration; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsv.2018.07.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-460X

Abstract

Abstract: Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are widely used in passive vibration control, and have been implemented on many engineering structures. In general, the design of TMDs is unique to each application; the choice of damping material and its in-situ performance are key issues that can affect design and prototyping costs. The present contribution demonstrates that TMDs can be built using ubiquitous and low-cost elastomeric O-rings. It is shown that the damping and stiffness characteristics of the O-ring can be predicted a priori, in order to achieve an initial design that is fit for purpose. Furthermore, it is shown that the nonlinear characteristics of the O-ring enable the device to be easily tuned in-situ, in order to optimise the final system. Finally, the simple configuration of the device makes it well suited to through-mounting or surface-mounting on thin-walled flexible structures such as beams and plates.