Optimized Vibration Suppression of Structural Floor Using Passive TMD

Vibration suppression has been implemented for many years as a way for a building’s occupants to feel more comfortable in structures prone to horizontal swaying or vertical oscillation. Suppression of a structure’s natural vibrations becomes even more important when delicate work, like surgeries, will be performed within. The purpose of this experiment was to confirm the validity of a passive vibration suppression unit to reduce the vibration in a portable shelter floor where surgeries would take place. Impact tests were done to determine the natural frequency of the floor, and along with the weight of the floor, were used to calculate operating parameters for a tuned mass damper, or TMD. A TMD was then assembled and vibration suppression effects were tested at 4% of total floor mass, to confirm the viability of the design. Additionally, TMDs of 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the mass of the floor and shaker combined were made so frequency sweep tests could be done. Finally, a cantilever beam TMD was made, to test effectiveness of an easily adjustable TMD variant. The produced TMDs are expected to reduce the time the floor is vibrating and reduce vibration of the floor by up to 60%, bringing oscillations within comfortable levels even at the floor’s natural frequency.