Qualitative Analysis of Magneto-Rheological Tuned Vibration Absorbers: Experimental Approach

The primary purpose of this study is to provide an experimental evaluation of some of the characteristics and benefits of magneto-rheological tuned vibration absorbers (MR TVAs). Tuned vibration absorbers (TVAs) often provide a simple and elegant solution to many vibration problems. To extend the concept of passive TVAs to MR TVAs, we discuss four different control methods, called velocity-based on—off groundhook control, velocity-based continuous groundhook control, displacement-based on—off groundhook control, and displacement-based continuous groundhook control. Using the test apparatus, a series of tests were conducted to investigate the dynamics of the MR TVA with each control policy. The performances of each of the cases were then analyzed along with the equivalent passive TVA. The performance index was the transmissibility between the input and the output displacement of the structure. The experimental results indicate that the most suitable control method for MR TVAs is the displacement-based groundhook control.