Optimization of tuned rolling-cylinder dampers using particle swarm optimization

Abstract

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs), which consist of an added mass and a spring/oil damper, are often installed to damp equipment and structures because they are compact and lightweight. However, there are some problems such as performance degradation due to age-related deterioration of springs and oil dampers. A tuned rolling-cylinder damper (TRCD), which does not use a spring or oil damper, has been proposed, which consists of an arc-shaped main vibration body and multiple rolling elements. The TRCD is simple in structure and is easy to install and durable. However, the combination of parameters such as the radius of the arc vessel, the number of rolling elements, and the radius to obtain the optimum damping performance has not been fully investigated. In this paper, an optimization of the TRCD was performed using an optimization technique called the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and the validity was verified experimentally. In addition, the Distinct Element Method (DEM) was used to analyze the contact forces between rolling elements and between rolling elements and arc containers．