Materials for Panel Damping in Motor Vehicles

This paper describes the application possibilities of materials for panel damping in modern motor vehicle construction. The basic parameters which govern damping are given; it is shown how they relate to motor vehicles. Two laboratory test methods are discussed for determining the damping performance of materials typically used in motor vehicles. Examples of the effectiveness of such treatment in the motor vehicle under normal operating conditions is presented and discussed. The influence of damping materials when combined with other typical noise control materials is shown in regards to performance and weight optimization.