MULTI-MASS TUNED MASS DAMPER FOR ENHANCED PASSIVE CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT WING VIBRATION

This research utilizes a Multi-Mass Tuned Mass Damper (MMTMD) system to effectively control aeroelastic vibrations in aircraft wings. Unstable aerodynamic forces such as lift and drag can cause aircraft wings with broad cantilever spans and inadequate stiffness to oscillate at low frequencies, particularly in their fundamental mode. A distinctive passive dampening system featuring numerous slender metallic bars linked to separate masses and strategically integrated into the wing structure effectively tackles this challenge. In contrast to single-mass Tuned Mass Dampers, these components address both fundamental and higher-order vibration modes, enhancing damping effectiveness across a broader frequency spectrum. Simulations utilizing the Finite Element Method (FEM) have been benchmarked against established reference findings, confirming the effectiveness of the system. The proposed MMTMD achieved a remarkable reduction in peak displacement amplitudes by 72.2 % (from ±90 mm to ±25 mm), while traditional TMDs managed a decrease of only 55.5 % (±40 mm). The results highlight the exceptional capability of the MMTMD in reducing structural vibrations. The research indicates that MMTMD enhances vibration attenuation in real aerodynamic stress conditions, thereby prolonging the structural integrity and operational lifespan of aircraft wings. The findings are consistent with the principles outlined by Magalhães et al. (2023), showcasing the efficacy of multi-mass damping techniques in complex dynamic systems.