Toward a design methodology for particle dampers by analyzing their energy dissipation

Particle dampers show a huge potential to reduce undesired vibrations in technical applications even under harsh environmental conditions. However, their energy dissipation depends on many effects on the micro- and macroscopic scale, which are not fully understood yet. This paper aims toward the development of design rules for particle dampers by looking at both scales. This shall shorten the design process for future applications. The energy dissipation and loss factor of different configurations are analyzed via the complex power for a large excitation range. Comparisons to discrete element simulations show a good qualitative agreement. These simulations give an insight into the process in the damper. For monodisperse systems, a direct correlation of the loss factor to the motion modes of the rheology behavior is shown. For well-known excitation conditions, simple design rules are derived. First investigations into polydisperse settings are made, showing a potential for a more robust damping behavior.