The peak response distributions of structure–DVA systems with nonlinear damping

Dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) with nonlinear damping are often modelled using a power-law equivalent viscous damping relationship. There is currently not a method available to predict the peak response of this type of nonlinear DVA without resorting to computationally expensive nonlinear simulations. Since the peak response of the DVA is required during the design process, it is advantageous to have a simplified method to estimate the peak response.In this study, statistical linearization is employed to represent the nonlinear damping as amplitude-dependent viscous damping and predict the rms response of the structure–DVA system. Subsequently, statistical nonlinearization is used to describe the probability density function of the DVA response amplitude. A probability density function is developed, which enables the peak response expected during an interval of time (e.g. 1-h) to be estimated from the rms response of the structure–DVA system. Higher power-law damping exponents are shown to result in smaller peak factors.Results of nonlinear simulations reveal that the model can estimate the peak structural and DVA responses with acceptable accuracy. A plot is developed to show the peak factors for nonlinear DVAs as a function of the number of system cycles for several power-law damping exponents. This plot can be used to estimate the peak response of a nonlinear DVA as a function of its rms response.