Evaluation of Arbitrary Integer Based Multiple Tuned Mass Dampers for Structures

In contrast with the odd number based multiple tuned mass dampers (ON-MTMD) used conventionally, which is targeted at the central natural frequency, the arbitrary integer based multiple tuned mass dampers (AI-MTMD) is proposed for the convenient applications of MTMD by giving up the central natural frequency hypothesis. The total number of the TMD units constituting the AI-MTMD may be selected as an arbitrary integer according to the practical requirements. In terms of the dynamic magnification factors (DMF) of the AI-MTMD structure system, the criterion for evaluating the optimum parameters and effectiveness of the AI-MTMD is selected as the minimization of the minimum values of the maximum DMF of the structure with the AI-MTMD. Employing the maximum DMF of every mass block in the AI-MTMD, the stroke of the AI-MTMD is simultaneously evaluated. The results indicate that both the AI-MTMD and the ON-MTMD can practically render the same performance, thus demonstrating that the former can be more convenient in mitigating structural oscillations with respect to the ON-MTMD stuck to the central natural frequency hypothesis.