Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers minimize kinetic energy produced by various mechanical products. Shock absorbers can rely on several different designs to minimize noise and vibration, including hysteresis, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Some shock absorbers use the elasticity of rubber and springs to cushion the shock. Hydraulics, often used in automobiles, employ water to absorb the shock, while pneumatic shock absorbers compress gas in place of a spring-mounted design. Although they use different means of absorption, all forms of shock absorbers are used to dampen vibrations caused by sudden motion and mechanical shocks.
Vibration is classified as a series of oscillations that move at a cyclic pace at varying frequencies. In equipment, vibration may come from an external or internal source. Internal vibration is often caused by an imbalance between equipment components. Shock absorbers isolate the equipment to which they are attached, preventing the spread of vibrations throughout the equipment components caused by the shocks.
Shock absorbers often take the form of pistons, which use hydraulic and pneumatic designs to dampen mechanical shocks.