Experimental Research on Dynamic Performance of Viscous Fluid Damper

Abstract

Passive energy dissipation systems have been in development for several decades for enhancing the seismic performance of structures. Viscous fluid dampers are hydraulic devices that dissipate energy when stroked. They convert the kinetic energy of the structure's motion into heat. Viscous fluid dampers are applied as a kind of passive energy dissipation device for enhancing seismic resistance of structures. As a method of absorbing seismic energy, viscous dampers provide an alternative way for yielding or failure of structures. Because almost all the seismic energy can be dissipated by viscous dampers, the structure can be undamaged and ready for use immediately after an earthquake. In this study, full-scale experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamic characters of viscous fluid dampers. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the damper are stable and meet the expected design standards. The hysteresis loops approach a rectangular shape under steady-state harmonic motion, which means the tested damper has a strong energy dissipation capacity.