Center Impedance Method for Damping Measurement

Abstract

Damping materials are used extensively for reduction of vibration and noise. These damping materials have viscoelastic characteristics and are used by automotive and other industries. Testing of these materials is important in order to predict their performance and traditionally the damping properties are measured by the Oberst method. This paper discusses an alternate method called the Center Impedance method where force and response are measured directly and the damping properties are obtained. The Center Impedance method is easy to use requiring only standard vibration equipment for excitation, namely, shaker, and is easy to control the experiment for repeatability. Results of beams tested by both Oberst and Center Impedance methods are presented in order to validate this test method.