Advanced damping solutions for single-particle impact dampers : exploring design parameters with a linear contact approach

Abstract

Single-particle impact dampers (SPIDs) are passive vibration absorbers (PVAs) that enclose a free-moving particle (mass) within a host structural cavity. SPIDs are easier to develop and install than known PVAs, but their nonlinearities complicate parameter selection. Using a linear contact model (LCM), this study identifies additional design parameters to enhance damping. A numerical model of a SPID on a SDOF structure is employed using the LCM to mimic particle-structure interactions. SPID demonstrates exceptional damping performance (amplitude ratio X/Y ≤ 10) throughout a wide variety of design parameters, including dimensionless clearance magnitudes (D = 5–20) and damping ratios (ζ_eq = 0.07–0.45). This differs significantly from traditional tuned mass dampers (TMD), which require a restricted ideal parameter range (e.g., ζ_opt = 0.15 for μ = 0.1) to prevent detuning. For experimental validation, four 3D-printed materials (B10, B15, B20, and B50) with varied stiffness (k = 6.35–48.08 kN m−1) and damping coefficients (c = 5.62–23.88 Ns m−1) are evaluated. SPID lowers resonant amplitudes by up to 57% (e.g., B50 at D ≈ 7.5: simulated X/Y = 8.34 versus experimental X/Y = 9.68), demonstrating the correctness of the numerical model (error: <15%). This study shows that SPID is effective when reducing resonant peaks and simplicity matters more than optimal attenuation.