Optimization of tuned mass dampers – minimization of potential energy of elastic deformation

• Published in: Advances in engineering software (1992) 2024-11, Vol.197, p.103756, Article 103756
• Main Authors: Štěpánek, Jan, Máca, Jiří
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Frequency domain; Optimization; Potential energy; Tuned mass damper; Vibration absorber
• ISSN: 0965-9978
• DOI: 10.1016/j.advengsoft.2024.103756

•Numerically efficient method for optimizing tuned mass dampers.•Minimization of potential energy in frequency domain.•Method for optimizing multiple tuned mass dampers attached to large structures.•Clear and simple definition of the objective function.•Ability to design tuned mass dampers based on the spectral characteristics of loads.•Potential for easy implementation of the new method in commercial software. A tuned mass damper (TMD) optimization can be performed under various assumptions and objectives. All the variables of the optimization, such as structural model, performance index and load type affect the optimal parameters of the TMD. This paper presents a new optimization method that implements straightforward performance index and allows taking load spectral characteristics into account. Thanks to the usage of modal coordinates, the method allows fast numerical optimization of TMD attached to large or complicated structures with numerous degrees of freedom. One of the complicated tasks while optimizing TMD is the choice of a performance index. In this paper, the mean value of potential energy stored in the elastic deformation of a structure under periodic load serves as a performance index, which leads to a low numerical complexity task if the optimization is performed in the frequency domain. The new method also allows a simple inclusion of load spectral characteristics and permits TMD optimization for any loading spectral range. When applied to a structure with a single degree of freedom, this method leads to H2 optimization in the case of white noise excitation. However, it is applicable to multiple degrees of freedom structures with single or multiple TMDs and any given load. The paper also presents several examples of numerical optimization of the TMD attached to both single and multiple degrees of freedom structures under various loads, including white noise excitation, pedestrian load, and earthquake strong motion.