Calculate the critical damping coefficient for a mass-spring-damper system.
Input Parameters
Calculation Results
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About this calculator
Quick Reference
c꜀Critical Damping Coefficient
mMass
kSpring Constant (Stiffness)
ωₙNatural Frequency (√(k/m))
Overview
Critical damping is the minimum amount of damping required for a system to return to its equilibrium position without oscillating. Any more damping (overdamped) makes it return slower, and any less damping (underdamped) results in oscillation.
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Pro Tips
Enter mass in kilograms (kg).
Enter spring constant in Newtons per meter (N/m).
The units for the damping coefficient are N·s/m (or kg/s).
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Fun Facts
"Car suspension systems are designed to be slightly underdamped for a comfortable ride but close to critically damped for safety."
"Most high-end door closers are designed to be critically damped so the door shuts quickly without slamming."
"In electrical circuits (LRC), critical damping happens when R = 2 * √(L/C)."
