Tuned mass dampers are largely used in vibration control of crankshafts, hand-held devices and transmission cables. A few such applications are discussed here:

Houdaille Damper

Fig 17.2 : Houdaille Damper

In this type of dynamic vibration absorber, a flywheel (as secondary mass) is coupled to the primary crankshaft with fluids as shown in the figure above. The damping constant is given by:

Where, is the viscocity of the fluid, the other dimensions are indicated in the figure above.

Damping of hand-held devices

Electromagnetic Motors are used extensively to power hand held devices such as Hair clipper, Dry Shaver and similar instruments. Usually, the motors operate at a fixed frequency such as 60 Hz.

Figure 17.3: Electric hair clipper

The figure above shows a typical electric hair clipper. In such hair-clippers, an electro-magnet is used to develop vibrating force for cutting. However, this also generates an unpleasant vibration of the housing. This vibration is neutralized by the application of a pair of mass dampers fixed to the housing at two different points.