Shape optimization of Hourglass-shaped damper using Fe-Mn-Si-Based alloy considering target Load-displacement relationship and target fatigue characteristics

•We search optimized shape of an Fe-Mn-Si-based alloy damper.•We use modal iterative error correction method for searching.•Optimized damper shows high fatigue property and the target load-disp. relationship. To reduce the response of buildings during earthquakes, the use of various hysteresis dampers for passive control is increasing. For effective application to buildings, these dampers must meet both load displacement relationship and fatigue property requirements. In this study, shape optimization of an Fe-Mn-Si-based alloy damper was conducted to improve the fatigue property while maintaining the target load displacement relationship, and the obtained optimized damper was examined. First, shape optimization was conducted using the modal iterative error correction (MIEC) inverse analysis method. Subsequently, a loading test on the damper fabricated based on the optimized shape was conducted, and its effectiveness was confirmed. As a result, it was confirmed that the optimized shape of the damper, which improves the fatigue performance while maintaining the load displacement relationship, was successfully searched using the MIEC inverse analysis method. In addition, it was confirmed that the fatigue performance of the test specimen based on the optimized shape was improved compared to that of the initial-shape.