Tuning of a vibration absorber with shunted piezoelectric transducers

In order to reduce structural vibrations in narrow frequency bands, tuned mass absorbers can be an appropriate measure. A quite similar approach which makes use of applied piezoelectric elements, instead of additional oscillating masses, are the well-known resonant shunts, consisting of resistances, inductances and maybe negative capacitances connected to the piezoelectric element. This paper presents a combined approach which is based on a conventional tuned mass absorber, but whose characteristics can be strongly influenced by applying shunted piezoceramics. Thus the tuning frequency of the absorber can be adapted to the excitation frequency, without the need of much actuation power and the damping characteristics of the absorber can be changed.