Development of a full-scale magnetorheological damper model for open-loop cable vibration control

Modeling of magnetorheological (MR) dampers for cable vibration control to facilitate the design of even more effective and economical systems is still a challenging task. In this study, a parameter-adaptive three-element model is first established for a full-scale MR damper based on laboratory tests. The parameters of the model are represented by a set of empirical formulae in terms of displacement amplitude, voltage input, and excitation frequency. The model is then incorporated into the governing equation of cable-damper system for investigation of open-loop vibration control of stay cables in a cable-stayed bridge. The concept of optimal voltage/current input achieving the maximum damping for the system is put forward and verified. Multi-mode suboptimal and Single-mode optimal open-loop control method is then developed. Important conclusions are drawn on application issues and unique characteristics of open-loop cable vibration control using MR dampers.