Characteristics of liquid column vibration absorbers (LCVA) - I

An investigation is undertaken into the passive vibration absorber called the liquid column vibration absorber (LCVA). The vibrational energy of a tall building or other structure is absorbed through the motion of a rigid LCVA container exciting the liquid contained within a LCVA, and dissipated through the viscous interaction between a rigid LCVA container and the LCVA liquid, as well as through transition effects which occur as the liquid moves between the vertical and horizontal columns of a LCVA. The horizontal and vertical columns of a LCVA may have different cross-sectional areas depending on performance requirements. The characteristics of unidirectional LCVAs are investigated, and found to be dependent on the geometrical configuration of a LCVA. Methods allowing prediction and control of these characteristics are also presented.