Abstract: A ring spring-based self-centering friction damper (RS-SCFD) was proposed, and its basic structure and working principle were introduced. A theoretical analysis of the force behavior of RS-SCFD was conducted, and the applicability and accuracy of the theoretical results were verified with finite element analysis (FEA). A detailed parameter analysis was conducted, considering three variables: the preload of ring spring-bolt groups, the friction coefficient between the core and the cover plates, and the inclination angle of the groove plates. The analysis results indicate that: with the increase of the preload of ring spring-bolt groups, the critical load and energy dissipation capacity of the RS-SCFD are also increased, while the stiffnesses and self-centering ability do not change. The increase in friction coefficient also enhances the critical load and energy dissipation capacity of RS-SCFD, but the larger the friction coefficient, the loading stiffness of RS-SCFD becomes stronger while its unloading stiffness and self-centering ability becomes worse. In addition, the larger the inclination angle of the groove plates, the greater the stiffness and the critical load of RS-SCFD, and the stronger the energy dissipation capacity and self-centering ability.