Damping Analysis and Ongoing Kinetic Effects at the Castello Ursino Museum (Italy)

This study investigates the damping characteristics of the Castello Ursino Museum, located in Catania (Italy) by applying the Random Decrement Method in order to evaluate the persistence of vibrations, assess the reliability and effectiveness of this method in a complex structure and, ultimately, evaluate the contribution of mechanical vibrations to energy conversion. In fact, it is important to note that, in order to assess the efficiency of transducers in energy harvesting, a damping analysis was conducted by processing environmental vibrations acquired from various points across the castle's levels. Identifying points and directions with lower damping helps evaluate the potential for generating kinetic power from environmental vibrations and define the most effective installation configuration and transducer placement for possible conversion into electrical power. The results obtained from the analysis and methods employed indicate that the Castello Ursino Museum site exhibits variable damping values. In particular, some of the selected measurement points show damping levels low enough to enable the self-recharging of sensors and integrated converters, especially along the vertical axis of motion.