Numerical Modelling of a 3D-Printed Metal Damper Designed Using Topological and Geometrical Optimization Algorithms

This paper presents a novel type of metallic damper for the seismic protection of buildings. It is conceived so to allow to control the damper strength and stiffness as independent parameters. This objective is achievable through unconventional shapes, which can nowadays easily obtainable via 3D-Printing processes, that are managed through topological optimization methods imposed to initial traditional geometries which are selected in order to guarantee the achievement of pre-established stiffness target level. The optimization process consists in weakening the initial configuration, so to feature a reduced yielding strength of the damper but leaving unchanged the initial stiffness. In this way the dissipative capacity of the device can be activated for very low seismic demands. On the other hand, ensuring high stiffness enables the damper to efficiently absorb a significant portion of seismic energy when installed within a frame during an earthquake. The damper proposed in this paper, conceived to work under axial forces, is derived from a sphere. Topological and geometrical optimization algorithms are therefore implemented to halve the yield strength while maintaining unchanged the stiffness. The numerical model is generated using Abaqus software, within which the ATOM module is dedicated to implement optimization processes. The achieved outcomes demonstrate that the proposed model successfully meets the design requirements in terms of strength and stiffness.