Free Parameter Optimization of DTMDs Based on Improved Hybrid Genetic-Simulated Annealing Algorithm

The optimum design of distributed timed mass dampers (DTMDs) is normally based on predefined restrictions, such as the location and/or mass ratio of the tuned mass dampers (TMDs). To further improve the control performance, a free parameter optimization method (FPOM) is proposed. This method only restricts the total mass of the DTMDs system and takes the installation position, mass ratio, stiffness and damping of each TMD as parameters to be optimized. An improved hybrid genetic-simulated annealing algorithm (IHGSA) is adopted to find the optimum values of the design parameters. This algorithm can solve the non-convexity and multimodality problems of the objective function and is quite effective in dealing with the large amount of computations in the free parameter optimization. A numerical benchmark model is adopted to compare the control efficiency of FPOM with conventional control scenarios, such as single TMD, multiple TMDs and DTMDs optimized through conventional methods. The results show that the DTMDs system optimized by using FPOM is superior to the other control scenarios for the same value of mass ratio.