How Vibration

Dampers Work
Why are dampers needed?

 Dampers are used to absorb/dissipate a special

type of engine vibration referred to as harmonics.
 Harmonic vibrations are at frequencies that
cannot be seen or felt, but they are there.
 The combustion cycle of a diesel engine does
not result in smooth rotation of the crankshaft due
to the amount of torque produced (almost a
ratcheting motion) and thus, produces more
harmonic vibrations than a spark ignited engine.
Rubber Damper
Design & Service
 Rubber Damper
 Tuned mass, or rubber dampers control torsional vibrations and
bending modes of the crankshaft.
 In a nutshell the flywheel on the outside of the damper will move at a
more constant speed than the hub (fixed to the crankshaft where the
vibration is occuring) with the rubber ring that joins these two parts
flexing as a result of the vibration.

Service Implications
 Over time the rubber portion of the damper will be subject to oxidation,
deterioration from exposure to chemicals, and fatigue of the rubber ring.
 Deterioration will also occur from heat generated due to the
dampening action (deflection/bending of the rubber).
 Rubber dampers should be inspected for loss of rubber or extensive
cracking. If too much of the rubber is lost between the two metal
portions of the damper slippage may occur resulting in a loss of
dampening capability and potential damage to the engine.
 Misaligned hash marks on the hub and flywheel or timing marks that
do not agree with valve position are indicators of damper slippage.
Inside Rubber Vibration Dampers
Blind holes are often found on rubber
dampers. These drillings are required to
achieve a static balance the damper
The hub (1) and flywheel (2) are joined by a
thin ring of rubber (3) that is bonded to the
hub and flywheel.

3
2
1
3 Hash or
2 1 Assembly marks
Vicious Damper
Design & Service
Viscous Dampers

 The viscous damper has a design / operating principle of using high

viscosity silicone fluid to generate a damping torque by shearing the thin
film of fluid surrounding the inertia ring mass (commonly called the
flywheel).
 As the engine speed changes to a point where torsional vibration is
present, the crankshaft (and hence the damper casing because of its
attachment to the crankshaft) are subject to torsional oscillation
superimposed on the mean rotation.
 Because of its inertia, the flywheel (within the casing) will continue to
rotate at a more uniform velocity so that there is an oscillating relative
movement between the flywheel and casing
 Therefore, when torsional vibration is present the fluid undergoes a
shearing action absorbing vibration energy which is dissipated as heat.
 In a nutshell when the engine is running at a speed where torsional
vibration is present the casing and the flywheel within it are moving at
different speeds and the silicone fluid acts as a bearing film that is
constantly being sheared and providing the balancing effect.
Viscous Damper Service

 The high viscosity silicone fluid within the damper will,

after constant heat absorption during its service life begin
to break down, become contaminated, and therefore be
less effective in absorbing vibration.
 Localized paint loss, oil residue, and heat related
discoloration of the damper are all reasons to further
inspect the damper.
 Viscous dampers should also be inspected for damage.
 For fluid-based dampening to occur, no metal-to metal
contact between the internal flywheel and casing of the
damper is acceptable.
 Dents and dings might appear to be only minor surface
damage, but in reality they can prevent the flywheel from
moving freely.
Inside Viscous Dampers

The vicious vibration damper has three

3 1 main components:
1 - The hub and flywheel casing
2 – The high viscosity silicone fluid
2
3 – The flywheel

3
Vibration to heat?

 In both rubber (tuned mass) and vicious dampers there

are moving parts.
 In the rubber damper there is a hub and a flywheel.
These parts are joined by a rubber ring that flexes/deforms
when a vibration occurs. As the rubber flexes (deflects)
heat is created (just like a tire rolling down the road flexes
and creates heat).
 The vicious dampers fluid is subject to shear effects
(frictional) as the casing and flywheel move at different
speeds.