Damping capacity

When ranked according to damping capacity, materials may be roughly categorized as either high- or low-damping.

Low damping materials may be utilized in musical instruments where sustained mechanical vibration and acoustic wave propagation is desired.

Conversely, high-damping materials are valuable in suppressing vibration for the control of noise and for the stability of sensitive systems and instruments.

[1] A large damping capacity is desirable for materials used in structures where unwanted vibrations are induced during operation such as machine tool bases or crankshafts.

Materials like brass and steel have small damping capacities allowing vibration energy to be transmitted through them without attenuation.