A method for vibration absorber tuning based on baseline frequency response functions

Abstract

This paper presents explicit expressions for new frequency response functions (FRFs) of a primary system when a vibration absorber is attached to it. The new FRF is expressed in terms of the baseline (‘old’) FRFs of the primary system and the physical parameters (the mass, stiffness, and damping) of the vibration absorber. The baseline FRF of the primary system can be obtained by either analytical or experimental methods. This approach allows engineers and designers to evaluate a number of alternative vibration absorbers before these absorbers are physically implemented on the structure. Therefore a considerable amount of time and effort for engineers and designers can be saved. Several examples are provided to illustrate the use of the method.