Parameter Optimization and Application for the Inerter-Based Tuned Type Dynamic Vibration Absorbers

As an acceleration-type mechanical element, inerter element has been widely used in the dynamic suppressing field. In this paper, a tuned mass damper with inerter (TMDI) is presented for vibration control and energy dissipation. To evaluate the effectiveness of the TMDI, the simplified model of TMDI coupled with a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure has been established. Numerical optimization has been conducted with the goal of minimizing the maximum transfer function amplitude of displacement for the damped primary structure. The control performance and robustness for TMDI has been evaluated with the SDOF system in the frequency and time domain, compared with the classical TMD device. Lately, multiple active TMDI (MATMDI) has been proposed as a vibration suppression strategy for a multi-story steel structure. The performances of passive and active control methods have been evaluated in the time domain via real earthquake excitations, and it has proven that the MATMDI is more effective at reducing the response of the structure and the stroke of devices. The results show that the proposed optimal TMDI system can sufficiently harvest vibrational energy and enhance the robustness of structure.