Tuned mass damper (TMD)

Slim, overhanging structures may vibrate as a result of their low inherent damping of 0.5 - 1%. Without additional damping measures, substantial vibration amplitudes may occur that can reduce comfort and cause fatigue. MAURER tuned mass dampers are custom-designed for each structure. The TMD is based on a springmass system. The spring is calibrated to the natural frequency of the structure and the required mass is determined depending on the modal mass of the relevant mode.

Structural vibrations induced by wind and earthquakes e.g. in high-rise buildings, towers and chimney stacks

Structural vibrations induced by people, e.g. on tribunes and decks

The geometry of a TMD can be customised for the structure. Decisions regarding form, mass, frequency or damping, for example, are made in close collaboration with the designer.

Comparison of passive and adaptive tuned mass dampers

Passive tuned mass dampers

Adaptive tuned mass dampers

The pendulum lengths, the pendulum supports and damping elements in the passive tuned mass dampers are designed using a non-linear dynamic simulation of the structure.

Frequency and damping can be regulated in real time with the adaptive tuned mass damper. This results in 60 – 80% better reduction in vibrations. The mass can also be reduced to 75 – 85% of the nominal mass.

The greater the mass ratio µ (damper mass / modal mass), the greater the reduction in vibrations and bandwidth of the tuned mass damper. This also results in lower damper mass amplitude.

MAURER passive tuned mass damper: MTMD-V and MTMD-H

The tuned mass dampers are installed in such a way that the motion of the mass is always in the intended damping direction. Diagonal or oblique vibration direction is also possible.

Vertical tuned mass dampers

The MTMD-V consists of a mass that allows vertical movement and is guided and supported on steel springs. A damping element is positioned in parallel to the springs. The springs have an adjustment tolerance for frequency of 10%.

MTMD-V can also be used in a slim design as shown here.

Horizontal tuned mass dampers

The MTMD-H consists of a mass that vibrates horizontally and is guided and supported between steel springs. A damping element is positioned perpendicular to the springs. The springs have an adjustment tolerance of 10%.

Horizontal pendulum tuned mass dampers

The MTMD-P consists of a mechanical pendulum on which the steel mass is suspended. Friction plates for damping are activated by means of a steel pin on the mass underside. Vibration frequency is determined by the length of the pendulum. This can be adjusted using tuning springs for up to ± 15% frequency tolerance.