The Effects of Mathematical Modelling of Magneto-rheological Dampers on Its Control Performance: A Comparative Study Between the Modified Bouc-Wen and the Maxwell Nonlinear Slider Hysteretic Models

Input voltage of Magneto Rheological (MR) dampers is the only controllable parameter as a semi-active control device. Therefore, voltage selection has an important role in control procedure via MR dampers. In many of semi-active control algorithms, a mathematical modelling method is required for determining the MR damper voltage at each time instant. As a result, applying different mathematical modelling methods can lead to different voltages for the MR damper, which subsequently results in different control performance. In the present research, the effects of mathematical modelling method of an MR damper hysteretic behaviour on its control performance were investigated. The most exact and common Maxwell nonlinear slider and modified Bouc-Wen hysteretic models were employed through a nonlinear comparative numerical study. A building structure was utilized for numerical investigations. A ten-story office building steel structure is excited by seven acceleration time histories. Nonlinear instantaneous optimal control and linear quadratic regulator controllers were utilized as two active-based semi-active algorithms. Results of nonlinear investigations showed an obvious difference between the Maxwell nonlinear slider and the modified Bouc-Wen models from the control performance viewpoint. Outputs show a very slight better performance for the MNS model in reducing the nonlinear responses.