Analytical study of multi-particle damping

Multi-unit particle dampers are passive damping devices involving granular particles in some cavities of a primary system. The principle behind particle damping is the removal of vibratory energy through losses that occur during impact of granular particles. This paper presents the results of experimental and analytical studies of the performance of a multi-unit particle damper in a horizontally vibrating system. An analytical solution based on the discrete element method is presented. Comparison between the experimental and analytical results shows that accurate estimates of the rms response of a primary system can be obtained. It is shown that the response of the primary system depends on the number of cavities and cavity dimensions.