Evaluation of frictional damping by response surface methodology

This paper describes the results of experiments, where the energy dissipation per cycle occuring at preloaded flat metallic interfaces subjected to cyclic tangential forces is measured. The effects of certain pertinent joint variables on this frictional damping effectiveness are investigated by the application of Response Surface Methodology. Predictive equations for friction damping were obtained based on experiments conducted on a rationale of economic data reduction. Good correlation between predicted and friction damping test results was obtained. The methodology presented suggests a useful technique to the designers of machine tool structures, where damping occurring in joints is important.