Dynamic performance of a novel tuned vibration absorber with nonlinear friction interfaces

Abstract A novel tuned vibration absorber with frictional interfaces (FTVA) is proposed in this study, combining advantages of the tuned absorber and the nonlinear dry friction damping to dissipate the energy. First, the influence of the mechanism of the nonlinear dry friction damper is introduced using a simplified model with 1-dof tuned mass absorber and the hysteresis friction contact element. Second, a real layout for the FTVA is proposed using a metal strip to tune the vibration absorber, and introducing three frictional contact interfaces with variable normal loads. Both numerical and experimental studies have been carried out which indicate the effectiveness of the novel FTVA. For a well-tuned absorber with properly designed frictional interfaces, the vibration amplitude can be reduced more significantly, and the actual frequency range where vibration amplitudes are limited can be broadened with respect to a classical TVA. The nonlinear contact element contributes to avoid the additional peak vibration generated by the tuned ordinary absorber since the friction damping will be activated as the system response increases to a threshold value. Effects of contact parameters, such as the normal load of the interface, have been deeply investigated as well, which can be optimized to minimize the vibration amplitude. Basic performance of the novel FTVA have been revealed, indicating the potential to suppress vibrations of engineering structures.