The Theory of the Dynamic Vibration Absorber

The “vibration absorber” discussed in this paper consists of a small vibratory system tuned to the operating frequency of a larger machine and attached to it in a suitable location. When properly designed this will reduce the vibrations of the machine itself materially. The absorber, without damping, annihilates vibrations of its own frequency completely, but creates two other critical speeds in the machine system. Therefore it is suitable only for applications on constant-speed machinery. When damping is introduced into the absorber it constitutes a simple and efficient means of diminishing the vibrations of a machine of variable speed. An analysis of its operation in simple cases with and without damping is given in the paper, tests made on a model are described, and actual applications are discussed.