A vibration damping measurement system and a comparison of vibration damping characteristics for glassfiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, and Vectran® fiber are found in Figures 21 and 22. Table 16 lists performance characteristics of various metals and composite materials used by a manufacturer of audio components. The differences are apparent and demonstrate that Vectran® fiber is ideal for vibration damping in sporting goods and audio applications.
Table 16: Audio Engineering Data For Various Metals and Composites
| Material |
Speed of Sound m/s |
Density g/cm3 |
Elastic Modulus GPa |
Modulus Rigidity E/ρ3 |
Internal Loss Tand |
*woven fabric within epoxy resin **woven Vectran® HT and NT blend within epoxy resin (KAI) |
| Carbon Fiber* |
6902 |
1.42 |
68 |
23.6 |
0.035 |
| Paper (typical) |
1781 |
0.50 |
2 |
12.7 |
0.040 |
| Magnesium |
5000 |
1.74 |
44 |
8.3 |
0.004 |
| Vectran®** |
4288 |
1.50 |
28 |
8.2 |
0.070 |
| Glass |
3216 |
2.00 |
21 |
2.6 |
N/A |
| PET |
1802 |
1.38 |
4 |
1.7 |
0.010 |
| Titanium |
4773 |
4.54 |
103 |
1.1 |
0.002 |
| Stainless Steel |
5125 |
7.90 |
207 |
0.4 |
0.002 |