Integration of an omnidirectional self-powering component to an MRE isolator towards a smart passive isolation system. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, J.; Christie, M.D.; Sun, S.; Ning, D.; Nakano, M.; Li, Z.; Du, H.; Li, W.H.
• Is Part Of: Mechanical systems and signal processing. Volume 144(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Magnetorheological elastomer -- Building protection -- Omnidirectional self-powering component -- Aseismic technology; Structural dynamics -- Periodicals; Vibration -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Dynamique -- Périodiques; Vibration -- Périodiques; Structural dynamics; Vibration; Periodicals; 621
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2020.106853
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0888-3270

Abstract

Highlights: A new MRE base isolation system with an omnidirectional energy harvester is reported. The self-powering unit can collect vibration energy from all horizontal directions. The conflicting requirements during daily operation and earthquake events can be met. Vibration isolation evaluations verify the improved performance of the new isolator. Abstract: Base isolator is one of the most adopted and effective means of mitigating unwanted and harmful vibrations to protect buildings and other key civil infrastructure from seismic events. For this reason, the base isolation technology has advanced greatly in recent years, especially the magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator. However, the operation of such an MRE isolator needs external power supply to be activated, which may fail due to the power outage caused by the seismic movement. To this end, this work developed an MRE base isolation system with self-powering capability. This characteristic enables the isolation system self-sufficient without relying on external power. The self-powering component is an innovative omnidirectional element and can collect vibration energy from all horizontal directions. In addition, the self-powered isolation system performs rate-dependent softening behaviour which overcomes the conflicting requirements that the stiffness is required to be hard during daily operation but soft when the earthquake happens. For this reason, this new isolation system has been built and tested, including its MRE isolator and self-powering components. Its vibration reduction capability for building is also investigated on a scaled building. The theoretical analysis and verification is also performed and the conclusions coincide with the experimental results. The experimental and simulation results demonstrate that this new isolation system is capable of generating electricity which is sufficient to power itself when it is subjected to ground motions, and that it shows a high effectiveness in reducing the floor accelerations and the relative displacement.