Non-holonomic planar and spatial model of a ball-type tuned mass damping device

The area of tuned mass dampers is a wide field of inspiration for theoretical studies in non-linear dynamics and dynamic stability. The studies attempt to estimate behaviour of diverse damping devices and their reliability. The current paper deals with the response of a heavy ball rolling inside a spherical cavity under horizontal kinematic excitation. The non-linear system consists of six degrees of freedom with three non-holonomic constraints. The contact between the ball and the cavity surface is supposed to be perfect without any sliding. The mathematical model using the Appell-Gibbs function of acceleration energy is developed and discussed. Comparison with previous planar (SDOF) model which is based on the Lagrangian procedure is given. The system has an auto-parametric character and therefore semi-trivial solutions and their dynamic stability can be analysed. The most important post-critical regimes are outlined and qualitatively evaluated in resonance domain. Numerical experiments were performed when excitation frequency is slowly swept up and down to identify different modes of response. Some applications in civil engineering as a tuned mass damper, which can be used on slender structures, are mentioned. The proposed device is compared with a conventional pendulum damper. Strengths and weaknesses of both absorbers types are discussed