Damping ratio (zeta)

Relative damping ratio

Biomechanics

Short definition

ζ sets the FRF resonance peak height; VibroTheory uses ζ = 0.25 (modal, all assembly modes).

Full definition

Damping governs oscillation decay and the resonance peak height (ζ = 0.25 gives a peak factor of about 2). VibroTheory applies modal damping uniformly across all assembly modes (ζ = 0.25, config.ZETA_MECH), calibrated against bar vibration amplitudes.

Examples

A poorly damped bar (ζ = 0.1) would peak around 5 instead of ~2.

Related terms