A new hybrid energy dissipation system with viscoelastic and flexural yielding strips dampers for multi-level vibration control

In this study, a new hybrid damper (HD) is introduced that consists of elastomeric layers, which act as a viscoelastic damper (VED), and metallic dampers (MDs). Metallic part is composed of flexural yielding strips. This HD not only removes the limitations of each of these two types of dampers, but also facilitates its application for multi-level vibration control. Based on operational mechanism and design objectives of the proposed HD, three specimens have been manufactured and tested under quasi-static cyclic loading to evaluate the functional objectives. Two types of elastomers and two types of metallic dampers are used in these specimens. Experimental results show stable hysteretic behavior and high energy dissipation capacity. Also, the multi-phase behavior of the proposed HD confirms the proper function that is intended. However, the HD that is made of natural rubber (NR) and comb-teeth damper (CTD) can tolerate more cycles and possesses more ductility in comparison with the HD made of butyl rubber (IIR) and steel slit damper (SSD). A finite element model (FEM) is also used to simulate the behavior of the proposed HD. A good correlation between numerical outputs, analytical equations and experimental results indicates the accuracy of the proposed FEM.