Damping in Structural Joints Subjected to Tangential Loads

Abstract

Metallic mating surfaces in machine joints offer an excellent source of energy dissipation, resulting in damped dynamic structural response, for example in machine tools. This paper describes the results of a series of experiments where the energy loss per cycle occurring at preloaded flat metallic interfaces subjected to cyclic tangential forces are measured. The effects of certain pertinent joint variables on the joint damping effectiveness are investigated. The results should be useful to the designers of machine tool structures, where damping occurring in joints is important.