There are two basic situations when vibration response is dominated by one frequency:

1. The response results from a resonance or mode at that frequency, or

2. The response results from a strong excitation at that frequency.

In the first case, a broadband disturbance to the system can still produce a response dominated by one mode. In the second case, the modes of the structure may or may not be relevant; the disturbance input frequency shows up directly in the response. In each of these situations, a tuned vibration suppression device can be effective. A damper is preferred to reduce resonant response, and an absorber without damping can be used to counter narrowband forced response. CSA typically refers to the resonant dampers as tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and to the undamped absorbers as tuned mass absorbers or tuned vibration absorbers (TVAs). TVAs and TMDs are modular devices composed of a spring, mass and for TMDs, a damper. These three components each can be implemented in a number of different ways.

Product Features

As solutions to vibration problems, TVAs and TMDs have a number of attractive features:

• They are inherently compact, modular devices that can have a simple interface to the base structure.

• They can be added readily to a base structure that is already designed or even built.

• Added weight can be kept to a minimum.

• The tuned device does not impact the static strength or stiffness of the base structure.

• It is often possible to characterize the base structure by inexpensive test or analysis.

For more information on tuned vibration suppression devices, email tmds@csaengineering.com.

Standard Products / Custom Devices / Specify a TMD / TVA /  Technical Background