Dynamic performance analysis of non-linear tuned vibration absorbers

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of a damping controlled semi-active tuned vibration absorber (TVA). A base-excited, single-degree-of-freedom structure coupled with a TVA model is adopted as the baseline model for our analysis. A non-model based groundhook control (displacement-based on–off control or “on–off DBG”) was used to control the damping of the TVA. After developing numerical models of a non-linear TVA along with the on–off DBG control and a passive TVA, the optimal tuning parameters of both TVA models were obtained using an optimization routine. Using the two optimally tuned models, parametric studies were preformed by varying the values of both on and off-state damping to evaluate the dynamic performances of the TVAs using the peak transmissibility criteria. The results showed that the peak transmissibility of the semi-active TVA is nearly 21% lower than that of the passive, indicating that the semi-active TVA is more effective in reducing vibration levels. The results further showed that increases in off-state damping decreases the effectiveness of semi-active TVA in reducing maximum vibration levels.