Analytical modeling of a simple passive electromagnetic eddy current friction damper

This paper presents analytical modeling of a novel type of passive friction damper for seismic hazard mitigation of structural systems. This seismic protective device, which is termed as Passive Electromagnetic Eddy Current Friction Damper ( PEMECFD), utilizes a solid-friction mechanism in parallel with an eddy current damping system to dissipate a larger amount of input seismic energy than that by a device with based on solid friction only. In this passive damper, friction force is produced through a magnetic repulsive action between two permanent magnets ( PMs) magnetized in the direction normal to the friction surface. The eddy current damping force in the damper is generated because of the motion of the PMS in the vicinity of a conductor. Friction and eddy current damping parts of the damper are able to produce ideal rectangular and elliptical hysteresis loops individually. Seismic hazard mitigation effectiveness of the proposed damper has been demonstrated through an implementation on a two-degree-of-freedom frame building structure. Numerical results show that the proposed damper is more efficient in dissipating input seismic energy than a Passive Linear Viscous Damper ( PLVD) with same force capacity.