Design optimization of a single-mass impact damper

This research article presents a numerical approach to establish an optimal design methodology for a single-mass impact damper (SMID), which is a passive energy dissipation device with robust performance. Due to the nonlinear characteristics of SMID and a lack of analytical models, designing a single-mass impact damper with optimal combination of the parameters has been challenging. Furthermore, an uncontrolled mass of the SMID on a vibrating structure may lead to chaotic vibration responses. This study identifies a range of design parameters of the SMID to ensure non-chaotic responses and validates the optimal design combinations using an experimental prototype. The results show that a single-mass impact damper designed with the optimal combination of design parameters can provide better vibration damping and relatively steady response. This study also compares the performance of an optimized single-mass impact damper with an optimized tuned mass damper and finds that the single-mass impact damper can work more effectively than the tuned mass damper in damping free vibrations of a single-degree-offreedom primary structure. Although the SMID cannot suppress forced vibration amplitude as effectively as a tuned mass damper (TMD) at resonance, it has the advantages of lower cost and easier installation than the TMD. Overall, this study provides a basis for the optimal design of a single-mass impact damper and resolves the issues related to design methodology and chaotic vibration response with a single-mass impact damper.

Automated summary

This research article presents a numerical approach to establish an optimal design methodology for a single-mass impact damper. The study finds that a single-mass impact damper designed with the optimal combination of design parameters can provide better vibration damping and relatively steady response. It outperforms the tuned mass damper in damping free vibrations of a single-degree-of-freedom primary structure. Although it cannot suppress forced vibration amplitude as effectively as a tuned mass damper at resonance, it has the advantages of lower cost and easier installation.