Experimental and finite elements analysis of a tuned mass absorber for vibration isolation

Abstract

A structure under the influence of a harmonic excitation may start vibrating violently when the applied frequency is slowly approaching any one of its natural frequencies. Resonance results in large amplitude levels and vibrations. The possible alternatives to avoid resonance are either to shift the external harmonic frequency or to change the natural frequency of the structure itself. If both the alternatives are not feasible then tuned mass absorbers can be used. The emphasis of the current work is on modeling of a tuned mass absorber to suppress the vibrations of a single degree of freedom system operating at its fundamental natural frequency. System analysis was performed using ANSYS, a commercial finite elements package. ANSYS harmonic analysis was effective in predicting safe operating frequency range for the modified structure which was also verified experimentally. Hence it can be concluded that Finite Element Analysis can be effectively used to model dynamic systems and its response, hence possible solutions could also be sought. The adaptability of the current tuned mass absorber system when subjected to varying external frequencies is a new feature of the design. 2006-2011 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).