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DFM Guide · Vibration Damping

Reduce vibration.
Material + design.
Quieter products.

Vibration damping requires understanding material loss factor, mass-spring-damper systems, isolation. Combined material + design approach.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Material loss factor

Higher = better

Cast iron η=0.005, steel 0.001, polymers 0.05-0.5. Polymers damp more than metal.

Damping treatments

Constrained layer

Sandwiched constrained-layer damping. Visco-elastic film between two stiff layers.

Mass-spring isolation

Calculate frequencies

Vibration isolators decouple equipment from environment. Calculate natural frequency for application.

Resonance avoidance

Design separation

Operating frequency ≠ structure natural frequency. Design separation > 25%.

Ribs and gussets

Stiffness > damping

Stiffer structure = higher natural frequency. Move resonance away from operating range.

Mechanical fits

Tighter dampens

Press fit transmission components reduce vibration vs loose fits.

FAQ

What is loss factor η?

Measure of energy dissipated per cycle. Higher η = more damping. Materials: rubber > plastic > metal.

Constrained layer damping?

Visco-elastic damping material between two stiff layers. Energy dissipated as heat through shear of damping layer.

Vibration isolator selection?

Match isolator natural frequency well below excitation. Ratio f/fn > 1.4 for damping.

Damping for fatigue?

Reduces cyclic strain on parts. Extends fatigue life. Particularly for parts in vibrating environment.

Cost of damping treatment?

Constrained layer adds 10-20% cost. Isolators add per-piece cost. Worth it for vibration-sensitive applications.

Active damping?

Sensor + actuator + controller. Electronics-active damping. Specialty for high-end applications.

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