Performance assessment of a tuned inerter viscous damper with negative stiffness (NS-TIVD) for across-wind vibration control in a high-rise structure through wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations

Inerters with mass amplification and negative stiffness devices featuring high static-low dynamic stiffness significantly enhance the control effect of traditional tuned mass dampers (TMDs) on structural vibrations. However, limited research has integrated these systems within wind tunnel tests. This study establishes a theoretical model for a tuned inerter viscous damper with negative stiffness (NS-TIVD) to control wind-induced vibrations in a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) model. The rack-and-pinion inerter and pre-compressed spring-type negative stiffness device are designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology. After conducting harmonic tests on the two devices, wind tunnel tests are performed on an aeroelastic 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) model equipped with the NS-TIVD. Numerical simulations, extending over an extended range of parameter values, are then conducted based on the test model. The comparison between the test results and numerical simulations shows that the NS-TIVD provides a superior control effect compared to conventional tuned viscous mass dampers (TVMDs). The optimal positive stiffness coefficient of the NS-TIVD decreases with increasing inertance, while the optimal negative stiffness coefficient increases. Furthermore, the NS-TIVD, tuned to the structural first natural frequency, also effectively controls higher modal responses. This comprehensive assessment confirms the NS-TIVD’s potential for significantly improving vibration control in wind-excited structures.