Advanced Vibration Damping in Vehicles

How Vibration Damping in Vehicles Works

Vibration damping in vehicles is critical for reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), which directly impact passenger comfort, vehicle durability, and regulatory compliance. Vibrations in vehicles originate from multiple sources, including powertrain operation, road-tire interactions, and aerodynamic forces. These vibrations generate structure-borne noise, which propagates through the vehicle’s chassis, body panels, and interior components, and airborne noise, which travels through the air to the cabin.

Scientifically, vibrations are mechanical oscillations characterized by frequency (Hz), amplitude, and damping coefficient. In vehicles, low-frequency vibrations (20–200 Hz) from engines or road surfaces are particularly problematic, as they resonate with structural components, amplifying noise. For example, a typical internal combustion engine may produce vibrations at 50–100 Hz, while electric vehicle (EV) powertrains generate higher-frequency noise (200–1000 Hz) from inverters and motors. The resulting sound pressure levels (SPL) can exceed 60–70 dB(A) in the cabin, leading to driver fatigue and discomfort.

Vibration damping materials work by dissipating vibrational energy as heat through viscoelastic properties. The damping effectiveness is quantified by the loss factor (η), where higher values indicate better energy dissipation. Sontech’s VIBRALON 25 SB, a viscoelastic material, achieves a loss factor of η > 0.2 across a wide frequency range, making it ideal for damping vibrations in vehicle chassis and powertrains. Its eco-friendly composition ensures compliance with sustainability standards like ISO 14001.

Airborne noise, often caused by vibrations exciting the air, is addressed by materials like Acustimet®. Its microperforated structure creates a high absorption coefficient (α > 0.9) in the 500–4000 Hz range, effectively reducing cabin noise. The Helmholtz resonance principle underlies Acustimet’s performance, where sound waves are trapped and dissipated in microperforations, minimizing reflections. This is particularly effective in vehicle interiors, where lightweight materials are critical for fuel efficiency.

In practical applications, Sontech’s solutions have reduced cabin SPL by up to 15 dB in commercial vehicles and EVs, meeting standards like ECE R118. By combining VIBRALON 25 SB’s damping with Acustimet’s absorption, Sontech addresses both structure-borne and airborne noise, enhancing ride quality and component longevity. Our materials are also resistant to automotive fluids and temperature fluctuations, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.

Why Choose Sontech for Vibration Damping?