Smart variable stiffness control systems

This paper presents a new and innovative semi-active variable stiffness tuned mass damper (SAIVS-TMD). The system has the distinct advantage of retuning in real time thus making the system robust to changes in building stiffness and damping, whereas the passive tuned mass damper (TMD) can only be tuned to a fixed frequency. The SAIVS-TMD is based on a novel semi-active variable stiffness control (SAIVS) device. SAIVS system requires nominal power for operation as compared to active tuned mass dampers. The SAIVS-TMD is retuned using a new control algorithm based on instantaneous frequency estimation using Hilbert transform and short-time Fourier transform (STFT). An analytical model of a three-story structure with SAIVS-TMD is developed. Numerical simulations are performed using the analytical model. The system is implemented in a 1:10 scale three-story scale model in real time using a digital signal processing system and controller. Shake table test results of the system with the SAIVS-TMD are presented. It is shown that the SAIVS-TMD is very effective in reducing the response and providing retuning capability when the building stiffness changes, whereas the TMD is mistuned and loses its effectiveness. Analytical modeling and comparisons between analytical and experimental results are also presented.