Critically Damped systems and Overdamped Systems

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    Damped Systems
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around critically damped and overdamped systems, exploring their definitions, characteristics, and practical examples. Participants inquire about specific applications, such as automatic door closers and firearms, and seek clarification on how these damping properties are achieved in practice.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines a critically damped system as one that returns to equilibrium without oscillation and does so in the shortest time possible, contrasting it with overdamped systems that also do not oscillate but return more slowly.
  • Another participant asserts that an automatic door closer is critically damped, explaining that this is achieved through viscous damping in the piston cylinder actuator.
  • A participant questions the assertion about the gun being critically damped, seeking clarification on whether it returns to the neutral position quickly after firing.
  • Further inquiry is made regarding the manufacturing process of door closers, specifically how viscous damping is implemented and what components contribute to critical damping.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding whether an automatic door closer is critically damped or overdamped, with participants presenting conflicting viewpoints on the nature of these systems. The discussion remains unresolved as participants seek further clarification and examples.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and practical implementations of damping in systems, highlighting the need for more detailed explanations of the components involved in achieving critical damping.

jrm2002
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A critically damped system is one in which the system does not
oscillate and returns to its equilibrium position without oscillating.

Even, in an overdamped system the system does not oscillate and returns
to its equilibrium position without oscillating but at a slower rate
compared to a critically damped system.


My questions are:


1) An automatic door close is an example of an overdamped system.Right?
I want to know how is this overdamping property achieved in an
automatic door closer practically?


2)Can anyone give an example of critically damped system and again tell
me how are the characteristics of being critically damped achieved
practically?
Please help!
 
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1.) No, it is critically damped. Critically damped systems return to the equilibrium position in the shortest amount of time. It is achieved by viscous damping inside the piston cylinder actuator of the door.

2.) A gun is made critically damped so that it returns to the neutral position in the shortest amount of time between firing.
 
Thanks for the response:
1)You said,
"--- A gun is made critically damped so that it returns to the neutral position in the shortest amount of time between firing."

You mean after the bullet leaves the gun,

it ("it" refers to the gun) returns to the neutral position in a short time??

2) You said that the critical damping in a door closer is achieved by viscous damping inside the piston cylinder actuator of the door.

I want to know how viscous damping is achieved during manufacturing of the door closer?What components inside the door closer contribute to critical damping?

Thanks again
 

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