A multi-objective robust criterion for tuned mass dampers optimal design

This work proposes a robust optimization criterion of mechanical parameters in the design of linear Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD) located at the top of a main structural system subject to random base accelerations. The dynamic input is modelled as a stationary filtered white noise random process. The aim is to properly consider non-uniform spectral contents that happen in many real physical vibration phenomena. The main structural system is described as a single linear degree of freedom, and it is assumed that uncertainty affects the system model. The problem parameters treated are described as random uncorrelated variables known only by the estimation of their means and variances. Robustness is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem in which both the mean and variance of a conventional objective function (OF) are minimized simultaneously. Optimal Pareto fronts are obtained and results show a significant improvement in performance stability compared to a standard conventional solution.