Vibration isolation refers to the decoupling of components or machinery to prevent the transmission of vibrations. This is achieved using special materials that absorb the vibration energy and minimise the propagation of structure-borne noise.
Vibrations can cause considerable problems, including noise pollution and a disruptive shaking sensation, damage to buildings and machinery and shortened lifespans for stressed systems. It is essential to control these impacts, particularly in sensitive areas such as production facilities, laboratories and residential areas.
Vibration isolation and structure-borne noise insulation aim to reduce mechanical vibrations transmitted through solid structures. Here, special solutions in the vibration transmission path help to reduce forces and vibration amplitudes. In addition to mechanical vibrations, structure-borne noise insulation also reduces the secondary airborne noise caused by structure-borne noise.
Performing a precise analysis of vibrations is the first step in developing vibration isolation solutions. The measurements taken can then be used to identify suitable measures to effectively reduce the transmission of vibrations.
Vibration isolation materials
Railway
Vibration isolation for railway lines
Construction
Vibration isolation for buildings
Industry
Vibration isolation for machines and technical equipment
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Fundamentals of vibration engineering
What is structure-borne noise?
Structure-borne noise occurs when mechanical vibrations travel through solid bodies, such as floors, walls or foundations. Vibrations can create disruptive noise and can also affect the structure of buildings and the operation of sensitive equipment. Special vibration isolation measures can be implemented to effectively reduce structure-borne noise. Vibration-isolating materials such as Sylomer and Sylodyn are used to provide precisely graded vibration decoupling. The right combination of material properties and system design prevents structure-borne noise from being transmitted to adjacent components. The end result is an optimal protection concept that safeguards both the building fabric and quality of life in the long term.
Structure-borne noise, airborne noise and general noise
Sound spreads in two different ways: through solid materials (such as walls, floors or foundations) as structure-borne noise and through the air as airborne noise. Secondary airborne noise is particularly important. This occurs when vibrations in building components generate an audible sound and disruptive noise. While airborne noise is primarily reduced using structural measures, such as soundproofing, combating structure-borne noise requires specialised solutions like vibration isolation and the use of vibration-damping materials. A professional approach considers all types of noise to provide optimal protection for buildings, people and sensitive equipment.
Receiver isolation (imission protection) and source isolation (emission protection)
In vibration engineering, there are two main approaches to vibration isolation: source isolation and receiver isolation. Both forms are suitable for preventing structure-borne noise transmission, but it is not always possible to implement source isolation.
- Source isolation (emission protection): To reduce the forces transmitted into the environment by a machine or other source, vibration isolation is applied directly at the source of disturbance.
- Receiver isolation (immission control): Machinery, equipment and buildings are protected against environmental vibrations.
Natural frequency, load deflection curve or loss factor – find out more in the Getzner glossary
Our glossary provides an explanation of the key terms relating to vibration protection and isolation.
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