Exploitation of composite materials as vibration isolator and damper in machine tools and other mechanical systems: A review

Abstract

Abstract Vibration isolators are devices that separate materials from sources of vibration. This review article focused on damping control through passive approaches. Damping principle and measurement of damping properties of composites were discussed. It further examined the vibration isolation and damping behaviour of selected composites and composite coating materials. Since vibration is detrimental to any mechanical system; therefore, habitable spaces and techniques are usually developed to avoid the transfer of vibration to a system. Similarly, shock absorbers or dampers are developed to limit the occurrence of stresses that could take place in a mechanical system and providing better reliability for the system. Damping is the energy dissipation in a material and is of significance in dynamic systems like the steering and suspension in turbo-machinery mounting and automotive, and tracking systems in aircraft which require damping from shock vibrations. One crucial mechanical characteristic of composites is their damping-ability. They are can protect engineering materials from failure which occurs typically from accrued damages. In recent years composite materials are developed on tools and other mechanical equipment to isolate them from vibration and to act as an absorber of shock, which improves material performance and reduces the probability of failure. Single and multi-layered coatings have been designed for several mechanical devices such as cutting tools. Damping composite coatings have been applied on materials usually to suppress the unwanted noise and vibration levels in different production industries. These coatings were also found to improve materials hardness and reduce the coefficient of variation of failure, especially in cutting tool materials.