Estimating optimum parameters of tuned mass dampers using harmony search

In this paper, the optimum parameters of tuned mass dampers (TMD) are proposed under seismic excitations. Harmony search (HS), a metaheurestic optimization method, which has been successfully applied for several engineering problems, is revised for tuning passive mass dampers. A Matlab program is developed for numerical optimization and time domain simulation. Optimization criteria are the peak values of first storey displacement and acceleration transfer function. In order to find best results, all properties of TMD are searched. For a fast and general optimization, a harmonic loading is utilized for numerical iterations. Also, final TMD parameters are checked under earthquake excitations. This new approach is compared with several other documented methods. Comparisons show that the new approach is more effective than other documented methods and more feasible due to smaller TMD parameters.

► Harmony Search (HS) is utilized to find optimum parameters of TMD. 
► Tuned parameters are mass, stiffness and damping coefficient of TMD.
► The optimization criteria: transfer function and displacement of first storey.
► A program is developed for optimization of TMD parameters with Matlab R2009b.
► The HS algorithm seems very effective for TMD tuning.