Theoretical Model and Shaking Table Experiment of Eddy Current–Enhanced Friction Pendulum Tuned Mass Damper

ABSTRACT

Traditional pendulum tuned mass dampers (PTMDs) necessitate substantial vertical space, and conventional friction pendulum systems (FPS‐TMDs) struggle to balance low activation thresholds with adequate damping levels due to their reliance on friction forces. This study presents an innovative eddy current–enhanced friction pendulum tuned mass damper (ECEFP‐TMD), which capitalizes on eddy current damping to lower the activation threshold effectively. Simultaneously, incidental friction damping provides a complementary dual–damping scheme. We developed a robust theoretical model, underpinned by shaking table experiments, to demonstrate the ECEFP‐TMD's superior vibration mitigation. Findings reveal that eddy current damping not only diminishes the activation threshold but also streamlines the adjustment of damping levels. The integrated dual–damping mechanism substantially augments energy dissipation, thus reducing the acceleration response of structures subjected to seismic activity. Particularly, for FPS‐TMDs with minimal friction coefficients, the inclusion of eddy current damping substantially elevates seismic resilience, mitigating stick–slip behavior typically induced by excessive friction damping.