Experimental investigation and analysis of a novel multidimensional eddy current tuned mass damper for structural vibration control

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering Vol. 113; p. 114114
• Main Authors: Song, Jian-Qiao, Li, Hong-Nan, Zhang, Hao, Fu, Xing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2025
• Subjects: Eddy current; Numerical simulation; Shaking table tests; Structural vibration control; Tuned mass damper; Numerical simulation; Tuned mass damper; Shaking table tests; Eddy current; Structural vibration control
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114114

To address the limitation of conventional tuned mass dampers (TMDs) in effectively controlling the torsional response of structures under complex seismic excitations, this study proposes a novel Multidimensional Eddy Current Tuned Mass Damper (MEC-TMD). By integrating the eddy current damping mechanism with the tuning characteristics of TMDs, the MEC-TMD enables coupled translational and torsional vibration control. The device consists of two core modules, namely a translational module and a rotational module, and dissipates energy through non-contact eddy current damping forces. This design overcomes the shortcomings of conventional TMDs such as mechanical wear and response lag. Shaking table tests and numerical simulations were conducted to systematically investigate the vibration mitigation performance of the MEC-TMD on eccentric structures with varying degrees of eccentricity under different site conditions. The results demonstrate that, compared with traditional TMDs, the MEC-TMD provides significantly enhanced control of both displacement and torsional responses, with the most effective performance observed under hard-site conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that the MEC-TMD achieves excellent multidirectional controllability and robust vibration mitigation performance for eccentric structures across varying eccentricity levels, with the most effective performance observed under hard-site conditions. •This study proposes a novel Multidimensional Eddy Current Tuned Mass Damper (MEC-TMD).•MEC-TMD combines eddy current damping with TMD tuning for coupled translational-torsional structural control.•Non-contact eddy current mechanism resolves mechanical wear and response lag in traditional TMDs.•Enhanced multidirectional vibration suppression for eccentric structures under seismic excitations.