Investigation on Influence of Friction Plate Material Properties on Hysteretic Performance and Stability of Friction Dampers

Friction dampers are widely used in building seismic protection due to their excellent shock-absorbing performance and reliable operation. To clarify the influence of friction plate material properties on the hysteretic behavior and stability of friction dampers, this study selected three materials with distinct physical properties (density, hardness, and stiffness)—titanium alloy, brass, and zirconia ceramic—as friction plate candidates. Three sets of low-cycle reciprocating load tests were designed to obtain the hysteretic curves of dampers with different friction plates and analyze their energy dissipation capacity and operational stability. Results show that the hysteretic curves of the copper-steel and titanium-steel plate specimens are close to the ideal rectangular shape, with symmetric force–displacement relationships and stable energy dissipation. The copper-steel plate exhibits strong energy dissipation capacity and high cost-effectiveness, while the titanium-steel plate has moderate energy dissipation capacity but stability comparable to that of the copper-steel plate. In contrast, the friction force of ceramic-steel plate specimens shows obvious divergence as displacement increases, leading to poor overall stability. The friction coefficient between the friction plate material and the main plate material exerts a significant influence on the damper’s energy dissipation, and a stable friction mode serves as a guarantee for its normal operation.