Dampers
Dampers are used in order to stop or prevent oscillations and vibrations.
Also referred to as shock absorbers, dampers are used for damping, slowing
down, a sudden impulse. In order to complete this task, dampers must be able
to either absorb or dissipate the energy they are preventing. In some dampers,
known as dashpots, the energy is converted to heat within the fluid. The same
thing takes place in hydraulic cylinders, but in air cylinders the energy is
most often expelled into the atmosphere.
Most dampers work by oil, magnetic or air dampening. Oil dampers force a moving
part in a cylinder of oil. The oil slows the movement or vibration and the
damper should adjust to stop the vibrations quickly without slowing the response
time. Magnetic dampers create magnetic fields that slow the movement of the
weigh cell, and are usually more expensive than oil dampers without necessarily
being more accurate. Air dampers force air in and out of cylinders, introducing
friction into the system, which can risk the output reliability.
Dampers are used in automobiles and motorcycles, landing gear for planes, jets
and other types of aircrafts, industrial machine supports and in structural
engineering in buildings and bridges for defense against earthquakes. They
can be used in office machines, conveyors, door hinges, amusement parks and
mechanical control centers. They are also used in doors to prevent them from
slamming or from opening too quickly.