You want to know if damping and dampening effects are the same topic or not. Sometimes, you may use these two words in the same function.
Now, you have a confusion: are these two names the same?
You also want to know the actual meaning of these names.
Here, I have tried to share the difference between these names. So, read the total post so that you can clear your confusion.
Damp (adjective): slightly weight (source)
Suppose, vapor, steam, and a damp wall means moisture or water, is absorbed by the wall and adds some weight to that wall. Normally this word is not used in the activities of sound deadening.
Damping vs Dampening With the Definition
Damping (noun): Reducing or decreasing the amplitude of sound waves. This word is also used in reducing the amplitude of vibration of mechanical and electrical waves. (source)
You also can ask me a question: how does vibration damping work?
The material that has a high-level acoustic element can stop vibration. This element stops the vibration forces and makes the material a steady state.
You should know that friction is also one kind of damping. When any kind of sound wave hits the metal surface, then that metal receives that sound wave from air vibrations.
After that, that metal reradiates that sound wave to the air. Thus Sound waves pass through the metal body but acoustic material can stop this type of sound transfer instantly.
Sound waves come from the drum’s head and this function is related to the vibration.
Types of Damping
It is divided into two categories. Such as hysteretic and viscous damping. (source)
High-speed and low-speed damping are also two categories that you know.
There are also some more categories that I have shared below.
What is the System Critical Damping
It is one kind of critically damped system that is used for vibration control and stopping other movements of any object.
The object that is damped, helps to allow the things to their earlier (rest) position in a short time. The QS3 shock absorber may be an example of critical damping material. Some people are using it in their automobile vehicles. (source)
Think, you have a long metal ruler and you are holding one side. Now slightly bend the other side of that ruler.
You can see that that ruler is vibrating and slowly comes to its initial stage by vibration isolation (prevention of vibrational energy).
The damping system is like this vibrating ruler and this system is also used in the section of the door closer.
For reducing vibration and airborne noise, some people are happy to use this type of material.
What is the Formula of the Critical Damping Coefficient (Cc)?
You may want to know that how do you calculate it?
The damping ratio (ζ) symbol is identified by zeta (ζ= greek letter).
The ratio is: ζ = (actual damping/critical damping) = C/Cc
So the equation of Cc is Cc = 2√(k×m)
Here, k = stiffness and m = oscillator’s mass
Damping factor (Q), exponential decay rate (α), and ratio are related to each other.
(source)
Sound Damping of the Car
You can easily control the car vibration by using soundproof material. You know that the parts of the vehicle are heavy and strong.
That is why the vibration is automatically created in the area of the car suspension. As a result, some noise is also created in that area.
If you feel your car suspension is noisy, you can find the solution and fix it. You can stop that vibration and noise from the suspension side by setting any shock absorber, spring, and acoustic material.
Besides, car manufacturers have also focused on this issue and set the acoustic parts to the suspension area. They also focus on reducing wind noise from the car roof rack.
Some people may think that “dampen”, “dampening sound” and “damping” are the same thing. But the real truth is that they are not the same. You can remove your confusion if you read the notes below.
Dampen (verb): To make wet (damp) (source)
Example: The room wall is not damp. So make the surface of it wet (dampen).
“extinguish a fire” may also be the meaning of this word.
Dampening (dampen+ing=present participle/gerund): Normally this word is not found in the common dictionaries and it has no scientific meaning in vibration and sound-related activities.
Some people have misconceptions and they think the two words ”dampening “and “damping” are the same.
Some people are confused about these terms and they also search on the internet by writing “vibration damping vs dampening” for knowing more.
Now, you have to understand that these two terms are not the same.
Dampening Psychology
A social psychologist (Fred Bryant), considers it a method that deals with positive damping effects. (source).
A study shows that the dampening of positive emotions can help to improve postpartum depression. (source)
Dampening the mood is affected by emotion too. Dampen enthusiasm also means to make the excitement less.
Up and down wave lines are created for arterial pressure. Arterial line waveforms and square waves are used in the medical sector for monitoring the patient.
Now, I will share some basic information about dampers or damping adjusters.
Damper (noun): According to the engineering language, a thing or plate that reduces (attenuates) the noise, vibration, and damped waves of metal parts. It is an effective sound absorber among other acoustic technologies. It can stop the airflow and it can be used for controlling the room temperature. (source)
The damper is effective in reducing instant vibration and noise (tune). In a car, there is a facility to download DSC software where you can see the shock calibration tab.
Besides, the damper is also used in the wood stove. You can also use the acoustic damper in the air vents to reduce or dissipate noise.
An air supply or balancing damper is used to stop or flow the air and dust in the chimney and other duct areas. Silver damping foil tapes are used on the outside surface of the pipe for soundproofing.
For control, the fire and the smoke damper are also used. Coal chute damping may reduce noise too.
Our modern science and research also play an important role in creating different kinds of acoustic materials. For reducing lawnmower’s sounds, high acoustic material is also important.
Overdamped vs Underdamped: Are They the Same?
What is an Overdamped System?
For example, I can say that you can use excess weight in the door closing option to avoid door noise. This type of excess damping is also called overdamped oscillation. As a result, that door moves slowly and creates less sound energy.
What is an Underdamped System?
Any object may vibrate and slowly return to its initial stage (equilibrium), this is called underdamped.
For removing that vibration and positioning that object to its earlier stage, you can use a quality damper to a specific location. When you push down a mass/spring/damper, it slowly returns to its initial stage.
What is Sound Absorption? Does it Work?
If a sound wave hits the surface of a specific material and doesn’t reflect, then that wave enters that material.
This type of material is called an acoustic element or sound absorber and this process is called sound absorption.
Yes, acoustic material can absorb sound volume or road noise at any time. That is why some people are using this type of acoustic material in their environment (home, office, etc).
High acoustic foam, MLV (mass-loaded vinyl), and effective underlayment are better examples of acoustic material.
Besides, resilient channels also work to absorb noise (that may come from the origin of sound) because a scientific method is applied to it. For applying this type of metal, you need to follow some easy steps.
Absorbents also have some categories. They are porous, resonance absorbents, and single absorbents.
Sound Dampening vs Sound Absorption (Difference)
Sound dampening is not an actual word and it has no scientific meaning in noise absorption. The actual term will be “sound damping” and the meaning of this term is, reduction of vibration and noise.
The viscoelastic damping material can reflect and absorb vehicle sound. On the other hand, the acoustic products (elements) can absorb noise.
Damping Element for Reduction of Vibration vs Damping Suspension
You can use a high acoustic element to reduce any kind of vibration of machinery. To reduce bike or car vibration, some parts are used and this setting is called damping suspension.
You can see that any kind of car has the special springs and dampers in the suspension area. That is why this setting can absorb a high amount of car vibration.
My Viewpoint
In this post, I have tried to give you the difference between these two topics. If you don’t have a clear concept between these two words, you can read this total post for easy learning.
Here, I have shared basic information about noise reduction with easy words so that you can understand it easily.
I have also shared some noise-absorbing material that can decrease sound waves instantly. You can use these acoustic materials in your working place or home if you want a silent environment.
For knowing more within a short time, you can read the FAQ section.
FAQ: Sound Damping
Is it Damped or Dampened in Noise Reduction?
You can use damped pads to decrease the noise and vibration of the machine and other hard substances. On the other hand, dampening is related to moisture or wetness.
What is the Best and Most Reliable Sound Dampening Material?
I have shared some examples:
- Gypsum Board
- Rock wool
- Vinyl.
- Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
- Acoustic panels
Which Word is Right? Dampener or Damper?
The actual word will be damper which reduces the vibration but some people also call it the dampener.
What is the Meaning of Damped Oscillation in Physics?
Any oscillation may fade away after some time and it is called the damped oscillation. A spring included weight, is the right example for this type of oscillation. Damped vibration has a relation with kinetic energy.
What is the Meaning of Damp Areas? (Need Examples)
Damp areas are moisture, humid, wet, etc. Normally this term is used in the area where moisture or water is available in any substance.
What Type of Material Absorbs Sound or Noise Best?
The material that has acoustic elements, very small holes, and soft fiber are good examples for absorbing unwanted noise.
What is the Meaning of the Mechanical Damper?
This type of damper has a special spring that can absorb vibration instantly.
For example, you can see the system of compression damping (damper) in the car suspension area is called a mechanical damper. It can be able to absorb huge vibrations that may come from the car wheels.
Does Damping Affect Vibration and Natural Frequency?
High acoustic material can reduce sound frequency, resonant frequency, and resonant vibration.
What is the Meaning of Damping Force?
It is one kind of force that can prevent vibration and sound waves. This type of Multiple forces may be present in multiple substances.
Is the Word “Damp” Used in Wet or Dry Conditions?
This word is used in wet or humid conditions. In the dry area, the existence of dampness is very low.
How is Damping Measured?
By using a damping ratio, you can measure it.
What Happens If the Damping Property Increases?
If the damping property increases, the amplitude of the oscillation, vibration, signal intensity, and noise will decrease. That is why heavy damping pads are used under the machines to stop their vibration.
Why are Pendulums Damped After Some Time?
Air resistance of the bob is the main reason for going to a motionless stage. If there is an available vacuum area around the pendulum (harmonic oscillator), then the bob will continue its momentum (harmonic motion) for an unlimited time.
So the weight of any substance is also the main factor in blocking sound waves.