Exact Optimization of a Three-Element Dynamic Vibration Absorber: Minimization of the Maximum Amplitude Magnification Factor

In this study, the maximum amplitude magnification factor for a linear system equipped with a three-element dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) is exactly minimized for a given mass ratio using a numerical approach. The frequency response curve is assumed to have two resonance peaks, and the parameters for the two springs and one viscous damper in the DVA are optimized by minimizing the resonance amplitudes. The three-element model is known to represent the dynamic characteristics of air-damped DVAs. A generalized optimality criteria approach is developed and adopted for the derivation of the simultaneous equations for this design problem. The solution of the simultaneous equations precisely equalizes the heights of the two peaks in the resonance curve and achieves a minimum amplitude magnification factor. The simultaneous equations are solvable using the standard built-in functions of numerical computing software. The performance improvement of the three-element DVA compared to the standard Voigt type is evaluated based on the equivalent mass ratios. This performance evaluation is highly accurate and reliable because of the precise formulation of the optimization problem. Thus, the advantages of the three-element type DVA have been made clearer.