Vibration Theory and Terminology: Damping

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Damping An Object Or Material To Dissipate Or Absorb Vibration

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Callout	Component Name
1	Low Damping
2	High Damping

Damping is the ability of an object or material to dissipate or absorb vibration. The automotive shock absorber is a good example. The function of the shock absorber is to absorb or dampen the oscillations of the suspension system.