Experimental study of horizontal MR damper for sinusoidally loaded framed structure

The study investigates the potential of a magnetorheological (MR) damper on a structure subjected to dynamic load following an in-depth analysis. This investigation aims to provide a feasible solution for vibration control of structures with MR dampers without the facility of a compatible control system. The study proposes the efficiency of a control mechanism of a horizontally placed MR damper on a frame without a build in controller. A hysteretic Bingham model of an MR damper is considered to show a linear relationship between current, voltage and damper restoring force. The experiments were conducted on a six degree of freedom shake table. Sinusoidal loads of different amplitudes were induced in both directions of the frame. Numerical simulations are carried out which supported the experimental observations effectively. The hysteretic model shows the robustness of the damper at various voltages and frequencies. The damper is optimum when placed at the top floor of the frame. The horizontal orientation of the damper is able to provide a steady decline in the vibration responses with the rise in its voltage for various amplitudes of applied loads in both directions of the frame. MR Damper is adeptly able to alleviate structural vibrations cardinally without the requirement of a compatible control system.