Finite Element Analysis of Tuned Mass Damper

The idea of a tuned mass damper emerges due to a common vibration problem existed in mechanical and civil structures applications. Vibration turns out to be a hazard that can reduce the life of the structure, thus tuned mass damper is considered as one of the most practical methods in the engineering branches since it can be used as vibration attenuator. The present paper investigated the design of tuned mass damper (TMD) to reduce the vibration amplitude of a building structure model. In the initial stage, the frequency of the building model and tuned mass damper were determined by using the theoretical equations. This is followed by the finite element modal analysis to determine the natural frequency and mode shape and then compared with the calculation. It was found that the percentage error of natural frequency between the theoretical and the simulation result was less than 15% for building model (without tuned mass damper) and 2% for building model with attached tuned mass damper. The simulation analysis was further carried out by utilizing tuned mass damper to suppress vibration on the building model when subjected to a 10 N force. The results demonstrated that the attachment of TMD on the building model could significantly reduce the vibration amplitude by more than half.