Simulation Analysis on Intelligent Structures with Magnetorheological Dampers

Abstract

The magnetorheological (MR) damper, a shock absorption device, can be used to reduce vibration or dynamic response of controlled systems. Its parameters can be adjusted in real-time by updating its control current, therefore, it is critical to determine the control current of the MR damper accurately and quickly. This study proposes a fuzzy control strategy based on a neural network forecasting model of the building structure with MR dampers, in which a neural network forecasting model is developed to predict dynamic responses of the system with MR dampers and a fuzzy controller is then designed to determine control currents of MR dampers. A five-floor steel structure with MR dampers using the proposed fuzzy control strategy is simulated by using Simulink. Simulation results of the fuzzy control system are compared with those of the bi-state control system, the passive-on control system, the passive-off control system, and the uncontrolled system. Analysis results demonstrate that the fuzzy control strategy can determine control currents of MR dampers accurately and quickly; furthermore, the fuzzy control strategy reduces seismic responses of structures more effectively than the passive-on control strategy, the passive-off control strategy, and the bi-state control strategy.