Performance Analysis of Yielding Tubular Dampers in Steel Frame Knee Braces: A Finite Element Study

The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of tubular dampers exhibiting yielding behavior within knee braces and to evaluate diverse parameters affecting the efficacy of steel frames. To this end, six novel types of yielding metal dampers were introduced and subsequently analyzed for their performance within steel frames utilizing finite element analysis facilitated by ABAQUS software. Through static analyses conducted under cyclic loading conditions, the influence of various geometric parameters on the mechanical characteristics and energy absorption capabilities of these dampers was investigated. The findings indicate that modifying the damper geometry can result in alterations of up to 6% in ultimate strength and up to 8% in yield strength. Also, the three-tube mesh model showed the highest yield strength among the different configurations that were studied. The study further shows that the model 3PIPE damper developed the highest bearing force, about 371 kN, while the PIPE-2L model damper showed the least bearing force, which is about 24% of that developed by the model 3PIPE damper.