A Damper is any material or device that absorbs vibrations. Seismic dampers dissipate the energy of seismic waves moving through a building structure. ... Dampers work by converting the kinetic energy of bouncing or swaying into heat energy, which then (typically) dissipates into hydraulic fluid.

What is a damper and how does it help reduce earthquake damage?

Seismic dampers are devices that reduce building vibrations and damage due to earthquakes. Seismic dampers dissipate seismic energy by transforming the kinetic energy of an earthquake into thermal energy through friction.

How do mass dampers work?

A tuned mass damper (TMD) is a vibrating mass that moves out of phase with the motion of the structure it is suspended to. With its out of phase motion, the inertial force of the TMD mass abates the resonant vibration of the structure by dissipating its energy.