List of materials and their damping properties

[MJCfromCT]

Hi all,

I've finished a hypothetical problem in which I have determined the optimum damping ratio $\zeta$ for a specific system. This [tex]$\zeta$[/tex] value (0.265 in my case) minimizes the peak force transmitted through an object.

My next step is to take this [tex]$\zeta$[/tex] value and find some sort of "real-world" material or product (wood, cork, rubber, commercial-off-the-shelf damper, etc), that has a [tex]$\zeta$[/tex] value close to this so that I can basically say: "Here's the ideal [tex]$\zeta$[/tex] value, here's how close you can get to that using this material or that material".

I'm not sure where I can find a list of common materials and their associated damping ratios, or if such a list even exists in the first place? Any advice? thanks in advance.

 

[Phrak]

You've got me curious. I take it you have distinct elements: one with mass, one providing a spring constant, and one dampening element in one dimension.

Zeta doesn't seem to be a property of bulk materials, but would depend upon the shape of a solid damping element. In a one dimensional problem, and simple geometry, it would depend upon cross sectional area and length of the element, so seems to have units of D^-1 (or D^1).

But I'm beginning to think that the idea is to use a liquid, where you obtain zeta dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid.

 

[sir-pinski]

Hi there,

Great job on determining the optimum damping ratio for your system! It sounds like you have a solid understanding of the concept and are now ready to apply it to real-world materials.

To answer your question, there are indeed lists of materials and their associated damping properties available. One such resource is the "Engineering Materials Handbook" by James F. Shackelford and Robert H. Doremus, which includes a section on damping properties of various materials.

Here are some common materials and their corresponding damping ratios:

1. Wood - 0.05 to 0.10
2. Cork - 0.05 to 0.10
3. Rubber - 0.10 to 0.50
4. Steel - 0.005 to 0.02
5. Aluminum - 0.01 to 0.05
6. Plastics - 0.02 to 0.10
7. Commercial-off-the-shelf dampers - 0.10 to 0.50

It's worth noting that these values can vary depending on the specific composition and processing of the material. Additionally, the damping ratio can also be affected by factors such as temperature, frequency, and strain.

I hope this helps in your search for a real-world material with a damping ratio close to your optimum value. Good luck with your project!