Analysis and optimization of tuned mass dampers attached to structures via an efficient method

Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD) are often used to reduce the excessive vibrations levels of mutli-degree-of-freedom systems. However, in contrast to the situation for single-degre-of-freedom systems, the optimisation of TMD’s for multi-degree-of-freedom systems is not an easy task. In this work, an efficient method is utilised for analyses of structures with TMDs, and for optimising these TMDs for maximum damping. The method used for this purpose is based on structural modification approach which allows very efficient calculations of Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) of a modified structure if the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the original structure are already available. The application of the method is demonstrated by considering a high-rise structure and results corresponding to analysis and optimisation of the structure with a TMD are presented. Furthermore, how to optimise damping, using a TMD, for more than one mode of vibration is also demonstrated in this study.