Due to the evolving nature of the engineering analysis and simulation market this publication no longer represents current best practice and has been archived. The document may be of historical interest and is therefore still available for purchase.

This report examines the role of damping in Finite Element analysis and is intended as a review of methods available as a guide to how they should be effectively employed. It was prepared under the guidance of the NAFEMS Dynamics Working Group. Thanks are due to the past and present members of that group and the member companies, which they represent for the voluntary effort, which is essential to the work of NAFEMS and the usefulness of this report.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DAMPING IN STRUCTURAL RESPONSE

MEASUREMENT OF DAMPING

• Methods of measuring Damping
• Modal Analysis Software
• Accuracy of Measurement
  

THE USE OF DAMPING IN FINITE ELEMENT CODES

• Damping Models Available in Element Codes
• Application of Damping Models and Values to FE Analysis

SENSITIVITY OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSES TO DAMPING

• Dynamic Analysis Procedures
• Modal Superposition Method
• Direct Solution Method
• Modal Superposition Method – Effect of Damping
• On The Response of A Simply-Supported Beam
• Direct Solution Method – Effect of Damping on The Response of a Simply Supported Beam
• Application of Damping Measurement Methods to Results of Finite Element Analyses
• Effect of Damping on The Response of A Simply-Supported Plate
• Transient Excitation

CONCLUDING DISCUSSION

REFERENCES

TABLES

FIGURES