Viscous Technology
Torsional Vibration: The Need for Viscous Damper Technology
Vibratech TVD –Crankshaft Vibration Damper Manufacturing
Vibratech TVD Viscous Damper Care

Torsional Vibration In Diesel Engines:
The Need for Viscous Damper Technology.

Torsional vibration occurs naturally on every engine combustion cycle. In each cylinder, the initial force of ignition twists the crankshaft ahead of its natural rotation. Then, during the exhaust cycle the crankshaft metal rebounds. This repeated twisting and rebounding motion happening while the crankshaft rotates creates vibration. All engine parts that contribute to generating torque, the design and material of the crankshaft, affect the magnitude of torsional vibration.

Torsional vibration spikes occurring from normal engine operation causes metal fatigue. This is especially damaging when torsional vibration amplifies in phase with the crankshaft’s own natural frequency. Uncontrolled torsional vibration causes loss of torque and horsepower, loss of fuel economy, worn valve train components, worn main bearings and ultimately a broken crankshaft.

A Vibratech TVD viscous damper on the crankshaft controls the destructive force of torsional vibration.

animation shows crankshaft twist & stress points

[top]

Crankshaft Vibration Damper Manufacturing

Vibratech TVD - Inventor of the Viscous Torsional Vibration Damper.

Vibratech TVD, formerly Houdaille, invented and patented the viscous torsional vibration damper in 1946 to extend the longevity of heavy duty diesel engines. This style of crankshaft damper has since become an industry standard. Vibratech TVD continues to supply original equipment manufacturers from its high-tech ISO 9001:2008 certified precision machining headquarters in the United States. Vibratech TVD crankshaft dampers can be found world-wide protecting diesel and compression engines in the military, transportation, construction, agriculture and mining industries. Click here to contact sales.

The Benefit of Vibratech TVD Viscous Dampers

A Vibratech TVD viscous damper features a sealed precision machined and computer balanced housing with an internal inertia ring. Between the two is a thin layer of calibrated proprietary silicone. Silicone has proven to be extremely durable and stable under varying temperature conditions. Silicone is also very sensitive to a broad range of torsional vibration frequencies and is tremendously efficient at transferring mechanical energy (vibration) into heat. These advantages allow a Vibratech TVD viscous damper to self-tune to optimum dampening across a broad frequency range in real-time as the engine operates. The benefit is far superior, and longer lasting, over tuned elastomer crankshaft dampers in reducing wear on engine components and prolonging engine life.

Vibratech TVD Aftermarket Replacement Viscous Dampers

Vibratech TVD offers aftermarket replacement viscous dampers for many popular Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack, International, Waukesha diesel engine applications. In addition, Vibratech TVD owns and manufactures Fluidampr performance dampers for the motorsports and light duty truck market.

[top]

Vibratech TVD Viscous Damper Care

Handle and install with care. No maintenance required. In heavy-duty diesel engine applications, Vibratech TVD recommends viscous damper replacement every 500,000 miles / 15,000 hours, during inframe or major overhauls, if any housing damage has occurred, or as recommended in the OEM Owner’s Manual, whichever occurs first. If not replaced at the appropriate service interval, a worn viscous damper will lead to catastrophic engine failure. Replacing the damper does not fix wear, or undue neglect of proper maintenance, to engine components.

Unless otherwise specified, Vibratech TVD DOES NOT recommend or endorse re-using viscous dampers. Vibratech TVD viscous dampers are computer balanced and hermetically sealed at the time of manufacturing. Any tampering to the housing to recondition the damper may reduce its effectiveness and cause engine damage. Vibratech TVD viscous dampers are steel constructed and may be properly disposed of at a recycling center.

[top]

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Viscous Technology Torsional Vibration: The Need for Viscous Damper Technology Vibratech TVD –Crankshaft Vibration Damper Manufacturing Vibratech TVD Viscous Damper Care