PASSIVE DAMPING DEVICES PORTFOLIO

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PASSIVE DAMPING DEVICE PRINCIPLE

We propose passive “Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)” and “Tuned Mass Absorber (TMA)”. Both are based
on a resonant mechanical devices (spring + mass) to be appended on the “noisy” structure and reduce
mechanical vibrations in a given frequency band.

TUNED MASS DAMPER

TMDs include a damping element and act on structural resonances. Adequately tuned, it will attenuate the
high-peak at the structure resonance frequency, hence reducing the dynamic amplification at that frequency.
With a TMD the vibration energy is dissipated in the device damping element. The device performances
(e.g. main structure damping) are directly proportional to the mass ratio between the mass of the target
structure and that of the TMD. Typically, a mass ratio of about 5-10% is recommended.

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TUNED MASS ABSORBER
TMAs exhibit as little damping as possible and absorb harmonic vibrations at a given point. Adequately
tuned, it will absorb the vibration in a narrow frequency band at the location of the TMAs. The vibration is
transferred to the TMA where it is less/not detrimental to the target application. The device performances
(e.g. the absorption width) are directly proportional to the mass ratio between the mass of the target
structure and that of the TMA. Typically, a mass ratio of about 5-10% is recommended.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Non intrusive
Vibration reduction with TMDs/TMAs is a non-intrusive
process. No structural modification is needed. The
TMD/TMA is just fixed on the apparatus and damps/
kills vibrations. The device does not degrade the static
strength or stiffness of the target structure.
Additive Process
Performances with TMDs/TMAs is an additive process.
In other words, the more devices you attach to the
structure or machine, the more vibration reduction
you get.

Passive Frequency Band

TMAs and TMDs are fully passive and do not require any TMAs and TMDs must be tuned to respective the
energy supply. target resonance/excitation frequency.

CUSTOM DESIGN
While the TMD/TMA technology is well known for years and is conceptually a very simple device, each
implementation requires specific attention (TMD/TMA weight, tuning frequency, available space & mechanical
interfaces, manufacturing costs, thermal environment…). Therefore, Micromega Dynamics provides support in:
•• The vibration diagnostic and requirement specifications (definition of spring, mass and damping
components, mechanical interfaces, available space…).
•• The design of dedicated TMD/TMA
•• The manufacturing and commissioning of the TMD/TMAs

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PASSIVE DAMPING DEVICES IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP
The usual TMD/TMA implementation roadmap is a 3-step process:

1. Simulation of expected performances based on the results from a quick vibration response test
(hammer test) and/or on an existing FEM model of the structure
2. Custom design, prototype manufacturing and prototype testing
3. Serial manufacturing.

EXAMPLES OF DEVICES
•• Scroll compressors are used in heat pumps. Their vibrations can be propagated to the building walls,
hence generating acoustic noise. A Tuned Mass Absorber (TMA) is mounted close to the exit of the
pump. It is tuned at the nominal operation speed of the pump (48Hz), at that frequency, the pump vi-
bration energy is transferred to the TMA and no more to the building walls.
•• Wind turbines experience tonalities which are sounds at discrete frequencies peaking above the broad-
band noise, mainly originating from the gearbox vibrations then transmitted to sound emission areas,
such as the tower or the blades. Tuned Mass Dampers (TMA) are mounted on the wind turbine gearbox
torque arms in order to prevent these vibrations to reach the sound emission areas.

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ENGINEERING SERVICES
•• Vibration Problem analysis.
•• Passive damping performance assessment.
•• Custom damper/absorber design for perfect integration into customers’ machine or process (mechani-
cal layout and interfaces, environment…).

EXAMPLES OF EXISTING APPLICATION

Here are some existing applications. Unfortunately, we might not give details as most of these are protected
by non-disclosure agreements:
•• Wind turbines: TMAs are located on the gearbox torque arms to avoid unwanted acoustic tonalities due
to gearbox harmonic vibrations transmitted to the tower.
•• Air compressors: TMAs are located either at the resilient supports, to avoid structure borne acoustics,
or at the compressor output, to avoid transmission to the piping network.
•• Piping: TMDs are located at critical locations to avoid leaks and limit fatigue due to the fluid pulsations
•• Water pumps: TMDs are located on pump motor support to limit vibration amplifications at critical
pump velocities.
•• Semi-conductors: TMDs are used for the reduction of chatter in silicon wafer polishing machines.

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B-5380 Fernelmont | Belgium info@micromega-dynamics.com
EU ID.:BE0466034916 www.micromega-dynamics.com