A Study on Controllable Aseismic Device With Inertia Mass and MR Fluid

The authors have developed a new aseismic device, which has a ball screw and rotational mass. It not only generates the resistive inertial force originating in the rotational mass but also dissipates the energy of vibration through a viscous damping mechanism. Furthermore, the damping capability of the device can be controlled externally with an applied magnetic field. A magneto-rheological (MR) fluid is used to change the dynamic characteristics of the device. Through comprehensive experimental testing of a prototype device, the dynamic characteristics of the device have been verified. The test results show that the force-displacement relationship varies with an applied magnetic condition. Only a few amperes of electric current is required to generate a magnetic field effective for the prototype device with a capacity of 100kN.Copyright © 2013 by ASME