TMC’s constant development and refining process has yielded a new level in performance for optical tops.

TMC has long adhered to the philosophy that dry damping of an optical top is preferable to oil-based dampers. Oil’s characteristics can change over time and hidden oil reservoirs are always in danger of being pierced by an end-user customizing his system.

Our approach to damping of structural resonances has consistently been based on a “broadband damping” approach. “Tuned damping,” or using a tuned-mass-damper to resonate out-of-phase with a top’s bending mode, is a risky approach. First, it assumes the damper can be set to exactly coincide with the resonant frequency of the top. An optical top’s resonant frequency will vary based on load, distribution of load, temperature, and even the presence of the dampers themselves. Therefore, in practice, it is difficult to tune the dampers to the top’s resonance. Furthermore, it assumes that only the lowest resonant frequency requires damping when many secondary bending and twisting modes require attention.

More importantly, the notion of incorporating a tuned-mass-damper to suppress a structural resonance is a flawed one. Tuned damping is only effective in damping discrete resonances and is misapplied when used to damp a broadband structural resonance. In simple terms, a tuned damper “splits” a structural resonance into two resonances by creating a coupled mass system.

TMC’s proprietary broadband damping techniques are the most effective way to damp an optical top. This approach works over the entire frequency range of interest, dissipating energy at the top’s primary, secondary, and higher resonant frequencies. In addition, performance will not be compromised by adding weight to the top. Our new, improved damping incorporates our broadband approach along with the latest improvements in materials and new proprietary techniques from TMC.

Dry Damping Performance Summary

TMC optical tops have guaranteed performance levels which are unsurpassed. In addition, with three levels of broadband damping, two skin thicknesses, and three environmental choices, TMC offers the most flexibility in choosing a performance level.

Guaranteed maximum compliancelevels for the maximum damping level are tabulated in the chart below. The standard damping level offers compliance levels a factor of four times higher than those tabulated. The minimum damping level is only recommended for non-sensitive applications. The charts summarize the guaranteed performance levels of TMC optical tops. In addition, table top corner compliance data are presented for the three damping levels available. Data were acquired by impact testing, using a one-pound calibrated hammer, accelerometer, and dual-channel spectrum analyzer. As these examples demonstrate, actual, measured performance is often considerably better than our guaranteed performance. For a more complete  discussion of optical top performance, see TMC's Technical Background Section

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Corner Compliance Data - 4 ft x 8 ft x 12 in. (1.2 m x 2.4 m x 300mm) Tops

To convert from in./lb to mm/N, multiply by a factor of 5.7.
Example: 10^–6 in./lb x 5.7 = 5.7 x 10^–6 mm/N

  Maximum Dry Damping Level

Standard Dry Damping Level

Nominal Dry Damping Level

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