Experimental study on some parameters that affect the performance of an elastomer particle damper

Research testing has led to the development of an innovative damping treatment, called the elastomer particle damper (ELP). This treatment can add considerable damping to a structure by directing a vibration through a rigid connection to a set of elastomer particles which behave as a damper. It is of interest to study the parameters involved in this mechanism of energy dissipation and to achieve optimal performance of the EPD. In this context, in this paper the experimental analysis of some parameters, such as the particle size, mass and material and the damper box geometry, is reported. In this regard, the fluidization point at which the elastomer particles become optimally excited, maximizing the damping, was found. Important conclusions from these experiments could guide future studies aimed at prototype improvements.