Taming vibrations with vibrations: the Tuned Mass Dampers genius solution

This is a Mechanical engineering Subject Spotlight with Dr Arnaldo Delli Carri from Coventry University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Mechanical engineering.

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In this Subject Spotlight, Dr Arnaldo Delli Carri explores the fascinating topic of how vibrations affect structures. He starts by thinking about what vibrations actually are, explains the concept of resonance, and documents some famous structural failures due to vibrations. Arnaldo then turns to how we can address vibrations using tuned mass dampers. He explores how they work, how they’ve developed over time, and different types of tuned mass dampers. He then illustrates the different applications of tuned mass dampers through case studies of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, the Stockbridge damper, and F1 cars. Finally, Arnaldo discusses the importance of maintaining and protecting historic buildings, presents an intriguing activity focused on some of the world’s most famous structures, and concludes with some reflections on mechanical engineering.

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About Coventry University

Coventry University is a place where you can achieve your ambitions. Our Phoenix+ programme offers extra and co-curricular activities to help you build core life skills and prepare you for your future career. The university is home to students from over 150 different nationalities, you will be part of a truly international community. Coventry was ranked as a top 10 Student City in England for Affordability in the QS Best Student Cities Index Ranking Indicators 2024. The city offers so much to do, see, and experience with affordable student living and accommodation, shops, entertainment venues and restaurants all within walking distance of the campus. Coventry University Group has received Gold for Student Experience and Silver for Student Outcomes in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, demonstrating our capability to deliver excellence and positive student outcomes.

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Dr. Arnaldo Delli Carri

Dr. Arnaldo Delli Carri is Curriculum Lead and Associate Professor in Stress and Dynamics in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Coventry University. He is the Course Director for the BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering degree programme and has worked with important industrial partners like AgustaWestland, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace on the topic of structures. He is a Chartered Engineer, member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.He is active in the research field of nonlinear structural dynamics and has been employed in Higher Education for the last 15 years across a few European institutions, always eager to introduce students to the many wonders of Mechanical Engineering.

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