Equivalent fractional Kelvin model and experimental study on viscoelastic damper

Abstract

In this paper, tests on viscoelastic (VE) dampers are carried out, and the results indicate that VE dampers have high energy dissipation capacity and excellent anti-fatigue properties. To clarify the mechanical properties of VE dampers, a new mathematical model, named the equivalent fractional Kelvin model, which considers temperature and frequency effects simultaneously, is proposed. The numerical results using this model are in good agreement with experimental results. Then, through analysis on a five-story reinforced concrete frame structure with and without VE dampers, it is found that the seismic responses of the structure with VE dampers are significantly reduced and VE dampers have high energy dissipation capacity.