# List of materials and their damping properties

1. Aug 14, 2008

### MJCfromCT

Hi all,

I've finished a hypothetical problem in which I have determined the optimum damping ratio $\zeta$ for a specific system. This $$\zeta$$ value (0.265 in my case) minimizes the peak force transmitted through an object.

My next step is to take this $$\zeta$$ value and find some sort of "real-world" material or product (wood, cork, rubber, commercial-off-the-shelf damper, etc), that has a $$\zeta$$ value close to this so that I can basically say: "Here's the ideal $$\zeta$$ value, here's how close you can get to that using this material or that material".

I'm not sure where I can find a list of common materials and their associated damping ratios, or if such a list even exists in the first place? Any advice? thanks in advance.

2. Aug 16, 2008

### Phrak

You've got me curious. I take it you have distinct elements: one with mass, one providing a spring constant, and one dampening element in one dimension.

Zeta doesn't seem to be a property of bulk materials, but would depend upon the shape of a solid damping element. In a one dimensional problem, and simple geometry, it would depend upon cross sectional area and length of the element, so seems to have units of D^-1 (or D^1).

But I'm beginning to think that the idea is to use a liquid, where you obtain zeta dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid.

Last edited: Aug 16, 2008