Estimating the robust optimal parameters of tuned mass damper

Abstract

The tuned mass damper (TMD) is one of the oldest and most extensively used passive vibration control systems in dynamically excited buildings. However, the uncertainties or randomness in the loading and the primary structure parameters (i.e., stiffness and damping coefficient) significantly affected the TMD performance. In this framework, Robust Design Optimization (RDO) technique is advantageous, aiming to simultaneously minimize the performance function’s mean and variance. Simulation-based RDO techniques are particularly effective at solving difficult nonconvex and multimodal issues. Therefore, in the present study, a stochastic simulation-based approach is proposed for the RDO of TMD. The performance function’s mean and variance are considered robustness measures. The TMD’s frequency and damping ratios are considered design parameters. TMD attached to a Multiple-Degree-of-Freedom (MDOF) structural system is analyzed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach. The top floor displacement variance ratio of the protected structural system to that of the unprotected structural system is adopted as the performance function. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy successfully identifies the optimal design for all levels of uncertainty. The necessity of considering the uncertainties is well highlighted. In conclusion, the proposed approach is found to be effective and offers the designer more information for an optimal design decision.