Numerical characterization of RNC isolator experimental prototypes

Abstract

The results of an extensive series of numerical simulation tests to identify the mechanical characteristics of the recently proposed roll-n-cage (RNC) isolation bearing are presented. Several different configurations of a 1/10 reduced scale prototype are included in a deep parametric study. Cyclic horizontal displacement tests considering varying test parameters of shear displacement amplitude, axial load, and loading frequency were performed. The RNC isolator shear stiffness and damping properties were investigated in terms of the different test parameters. Ultimate level tests consisted of monotonic shear loading up to the maximum displacement limit of the RNC isolator at several different axial loads were performed. The RNC isolator is subjected to a tensile axial load to check its tension capacity. Attempts were done to analytically match the resulting force-displacement relationships using the versatile hysteretic Bouc-Wen model