Finite element analysis of a ‘smart’ damper for seismic structural control

A ‘smart’ mild steel damper is proposed in this paper to provide active damping for seismic control of structures. Smart material, which is bonded to the surface of hysteric dampers, is employed as actuator to exert active control force to increase damping effect for the vibration reduction of structural systems. ‘Smart’ finite element formulation is outlined for the numerical analysis of the proposed control device. Two control algorithms were adopted to regulate active control forces. The results of numerical simulation with two example models show the effectiveness of smart material used for active damping.