The basic structure of Variable Curvature Friction Pendulum Isolation Bearing (VCFP) is introduced. Based on the principle of mechanical equilibrium

theoretical analysis on two types of VCFP which are Variable Frequency Pendulum Isolation Bearing (VFPI) and Conical Friction Pendulum Bearing (CFPI) are conducted. The stiffness of each VCFP is derived

and the recovery characteristics were discussed and the computing formula of maximum residual displacement was deduced as well. Moreover

with the use of ABAQUS software

the models with solid element of each VCFP are built

and the hysteresis property under low cyclic loading and recovery characteristic are simulated. The comparative analysis of VCFP and Friction Pendulum Bearing (FPB) are also conducted. The results show that: 1) the numerical simulation results are identical to the theoretical analysis; 2) according to its plump hysteresis loops

the hysteresis property of VCFP is favorable

further more

its effective viscous damping ratio and coefficient of energy dissipation are higher than FPB

which indicates its greater ability in energy dissipation; 3) the stiffness of the VCFP is determined by curvature radius

that is

sliding surface function. And its stiffness decreases with the increase of bearing displacement through rational design. And then its isolation period increases as the displacement increases and the low frequency resonance problem of isolated structures can be well solved; 4) compared with FPB

the softening mechanism of stiffness can make the shear force transferred to superstructure decrease; 5) the maximum stress of bearing appears when the bearing reaches its designed displacement

and in general it may situate in the edge of ball joint surface of slider or bearing plate 6) the maximum residual displacement of VCFP depends on both friction coefficient and the parameters of sliding surface function

therefore

parametric design based on analysis or simulation is necessary so as to control the maximum value in an acceptable range in engineering.