Advantages of viscoelastic materials on noise reduction during vibration

The manufacture of concrete products for immediate release uses vibration to obtain homogeneous and compact products boasting a fine surface finish. The disadvantage of this technique is the occurrence of vibration noise levels that can exceed as much as 80 dB (A). These noise emissions are the result of collision or shock impacts between vibrated and vibrating parts. In cases where production constraints prevent an enclosure of the noise emission source, viscoelastic materials can be introduced between the vibrating and the vibrated parts. This type of material is used to absorb shock and will consequently do away with some of the radiated noise. When the choice of material is not optimal, the amplitude of the vibration transmitted decreases whereas the time required for compaction increases accordingly.

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