Parameter identification of damping models in multibody dynamic simulation of mechanical systems

To reduce vibration and noise, a damping mechanism is often required in mechanical systems. Many types of dampers are currently used. In this paper, several typical damping models, i.e., structural damping, frictional damping, and viscoelastic damping, are illustrated, and their parameters are identified for multibody dynamic simulation. Linear damping, widely adopted for structural damping, is applied to beam deflection. Quadratic damping including air resistance is applied to plate deflection. To model stick phenomenon in mechanical dampers, a STV (stick-transition velocity) model was first introduced. To identify parameters, an optimization process is applied to the damping parameters. A new MSTV (modified stick-transition velocity) model is proposed for a friction damper. A modified Kelvin–Voight model is suggested for a rubber bushing model used in vehicle dynamics, and its parameters are identified. A modified Bouc–Wen model is also proposed; it includes the hysteretic behavior of an elastomer, and optimized results with parameter identification are compared to test results.