DAMPING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Damping Links
Overview
DTI Damping Links are designed in a very application-specific manner based on the operating temperature range of the structure as well as the specific structural dynamics of interest. Often a finite element model of the structure is utilized in the design in conjunction with the Modal Strain Energy Analysis approach. The DTI Damping Link concept can be extremely effective for attenuation of resonance behavior in cases where a viscoelastic material "link" may be located at an appropriate location on the structure such that relative motion occurs between one attachment point and the other attachment point for modal displacements of interest. The relative motion across the Damping Link results in strain in the viscoelastic material of the Damping Link. The viscoelastic material converts this mechanical strain into heat and dissipates the energy. Vibration attenuation can be very significant in these cases.
Design Methodology
The Modal Strain Energy Analysis approach, inconjunction with a finite element model of the structure, is typically utilized to determine the optimum stiffness of the Damping Link. Having determined the optimum stiffness of the Damping Link, the physical geometry of the Damping Link can be designed based on the dynamic mechanical properties of the appropriate viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material is chosen largely for appropriate modulus and loss factor properties at the temperature and frequency of interest.
Applications
DTI Damping Links can be extremely effective for attenuation of resonance response of a given structure. The key is identification of a Damping Link location (or locations) in which modal displacements of the structure can be made to induce strains in a viscoelastic material located there. These applications exist in the aerospace industry, automotive industry, scientific instrument industry, computer industry, etc.
Example
The following example of a DTI Damping Link design was installed in a large scientific instrument to attenuate approximately 8 Hz dynamics of an instrument support structure which was degrading the performance and efficiency of the scientific instrument. In this example, a DTI Damping Link was located between the structure and ground. 8 Hz rocking motion of the structure induces cyclic strains in the viscoelastic elements of the Damping Links. The attenuation performance is very impressive.
Prototype DTI Damping Link
Production DTI Damping Link
Baseline / No Coolant Flow
Baseline / with Coolant Flow
Damping Links / No Coolant Flow
Damping Links / with Coolant Flow
Measurement of E-Beam Stability with and without Production DTI Damping Links
* Note that after all of the DTI Damping Links were installed, E-Beam stability was improved over a factor of (10.0).
For questions, comments, or further information, please contact:
TOM LEWIS
DAMPING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(513) 779-2237
