Experimental study and numerical simulation of inerter-based systems

Based on a single degree of freedom system, the inerter principles of an inertial mass damper and clutch inerter damper are introduced. The motion equations of the systems are derived, and the rotational speed and damping are considered. In addition, a reducer is innovatively combined with clutch inerter damper to significantly improve the inertance. Accordingly, an innovative reducer clutch inerter damper is proposed. Shaking table experiments are carried out on the uncontrolled inertial mass damper, clutch inerter damper, and reducer clutch inerter damper structures under the inputs of harmonic and seismic waves. Simulation models of the four types of structures are developed, and the validity of the theoretical models is verified by a comparison between the simulation and experiment. Moreover, the nonlinear models of clutch inerter damper and reducer clutch inerter damper are discussed. Finally, according to the test results, the vibration reduction effects of the three inerters are analyzed, and the reasons why they are different from the ideal clutch inerter damper are also explained. The results show that clutch inerter damper, especially reducer clutch inerter damper, has a good vibration damping performance.