Method of Damping out Bending Vibrations of Beam-Like Structures by Dry (Or Coulomb) Friction

Abstract

A method is described for damping out the bending vibrations in beam-like structures by the use of dry (or Coulomb) friction. It is particularly applicable where the degree of damping required is that represented by a ratio (damping)/(critical damping) not greater than 15 to 20 per cent. The theory is well confirmed by experiment and curves are provided that enable the basic features of a design to be settled in a matter of minutes. A wide field for the practical application of the method is contemplated.