Varmedemping

Varmedemping is a damping strategy that relies on controlled heating to modify the vibration response of materials and components. The term combines the Danish words for heat (varme) and damping (demping). In this concept, heat input is used to alter material properties such as stiffness, damping capacity, or internal friction, thereby increasing energy dissipation during dynamic excitation.

The underlying mechanism involves temperature-dependent changes in material behavior. In polymers and composites, heating can move the material toward a more viscoelastic state with higher internal damping. In metals or ceramics, thermal activation can influence microstructural relaxation processes. The result is reduced amplitude of vibrations and altered frequency response. Varmedemping can be implemented with localized or distributed heating and is often integrated with sensors to provide feedback control.

Implementation methods include resistive or embedded heaters, inductive heating, and surface or near-surface thermal actuators. Control strategies commonly rely on measurements of vibration in real time, adjusting heat input to maintain a desired damping level under varying operating conditions. The approach is typically used as a supplementary or tunable damping mechanism, complementing mechanical dampers or viscoelastic layers.

Applications appear mainly in vibro-acoustic control for automotive, aerospace, and precision equipment, as well as in electronics packaging where thermal management and vibration suppression are both critical. Advantages include tunability and non-contact damping, while limitations involve energy consumption, potential material aging, and the need for effective thermal management to prevent thermal stresses.

See also: damping, thermoelastic damping, viscoelastic damping, thermal management.