Tuned vibrational absorption for structural resonance

We have constructed and tested a tuned vibration absorber in an HO-scale model building structure to demonstrate dynamic absorption of structural oscillations due to simulated harmonic earthquake tremors. The apparatus is simple and inexpensive. A mathematical model including coupling of the absorber and the building structure is presented. Experimental results show strong agreement with the mathematical model. The experiment, suitable for an undergraduate laboratory, demonstrates principles of physics as well as mechanical engineering. (paper)