Mass distribution of multiple tuned mass dampers for vibration control of structures

The mass distribution is one of the important parameter for MTMD (Multiple Tuned mass damper) for reducing effectively dynamic response of a main system. By controlling mass distribution along with other parameters like damping ratio, frequency range, number of dampers, response of the main system can be controlled. Different mass distributions like parabolic mass distribution and bell-shaped mass distribution are studied and its effect on controlling the dynamic response of the system is reported. To increase the effectiveness of the MTMD system, modified parabolic mass distribution and modified bell shaped mass distribution by skewing the mass distribution is proposed. Optimum parameters for MTMD with optimum mass distribution and main system damping varied as 2% and 5% are presented. Among the various mass distributions proposed in the present study Modified bell-shaped mass distribution for MTMD is superior. It was found to be more promising in terms of reducing dynamic response of structure making it more flat and increasing bandwidth of flat region. Also, lower values of damper damping associated with this mass distribution makes system more workable.