Abstract: A method includes exciting a work piece, measuring a dynamic response of the work piece with an optical imaging system and calculating a damping factor and a Q factor from said dynamic response. The method links two processes: an optical imaging system to output dynamic motion response data, and using the data to obtain a damping factor and a Q factor.

Abstract: A method includes exciting a work piece, measuring a dynamic response of the work piece with an optical imaging system and calculating a damping factor and a Q factor from said dynamic response. The method links two processes: an optical imaging system to output dynamic motion response data, and using the data to obtain a damping factor and a Q factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring damping of a work piece are provided. The method includes determining at least one suitable location to measure damping on the work piece, exciting the work piece at the at least one suitable location, measuring a dynamic response of the work piece at the suitable location, and calculating a damping factor and a Q factor from the dynamic response. The apparatus includes a response measurement device configured to obtain response data, such as displacement data and/or velocity data, used in determining the at least one suitable location to measure damping.

Abstract: A brake disc arrangement is provided. The brake disc arrangement includes a mounting section, a brake plate section and a transitional interface positioned between the mounting section and the brake plate section and configured to attach the brake plate section to the mounting section. The transitional interface includes at least one extension extending radically from an outer circumference of the mounting section, the at least one extension having a cross-sectional configuration shaped as an I-Beam or other shape having at least two spaced apart projections on opposite side of the extension such that a vent gap is formed between the projections.

Abstract: A method of processing a metal for improved damping of a metal part is provided. The method comprises placing the metal part inside a current carrying coil and closing a circuit for to apply current to the coil, thus producing a magnetic field in the metal part. Thereafter, the circuit is opened for a time and then the circuit is closed a second time to apply a second current to the coil. The circuit is then opened a second time and the metal part is removed from the current carrying coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring damping of a work piece are provided. The method includes determining at least one suitable location to measure damping on the work piece, exciting the work piece at the at least one suitable location, measuring a dynamic response of the work piece at the suitable location, and calculating a damping factor and a Q factor from the dynamic response. The apparatus includes a response measurement device configured to obtain response data, such as displacement data and/or velocity data, used in determining the at least one suitable location to measure damping.

Abstract: A method of measuring damping of a work piece is provided. The method includes exciting the work piece, measuring a dynamic response of the work piece with an optical imaging system and calculating a damping factor and a Q factor from said dynamic response. The method links two processes: an optical imaging system to out put dynamic motion response data, and using the data to obtain a damping factor and a Q factor.

Abstract: A brake disc arrangement has a mounting portion formed of a metal, with a plurality of radial protuberances extending radially outward therefrom. The radial protuberances each have a radially distal tip portion, and a ceramic coating is applied to the radially distal tip portion of the radial protuberances. The brake plate portion is cast so as to surround the radially distal tip portions. However, it is isolated therefrom by the ceramic coating. At least some of the radially distal tip portions are formed of metal having a microstructure created by electrical discharge machining to increase dampening. A sand core within a core box holds the mounting portion in a predetermined fixed orientation. The molten metal is poured into the core box mold, and the metal brake plate portion is prevented by the ceramic coating from welding to any of the plurality of radial protuberances.

Abstract: A vehicle drive arrangement for a vehicle of the type having differential power transmission arrangement that converts the rotatory motion of the rotatory power shaft to rotatory motion of first and second drive shafts disposed substantially orthogonal the rotatory power shaft. Primary leaf springs are each coupled at their respective centers to respective drive shafts by pivotal arrangements. The first and second primary springs may include helical springs that are used in place of, or in combination with, the primary leaf springs. Secondary leaf springs may be splayed and therefore need not be arranged parallel to the primary leaf springs. Control over vehicle kinematics is enhanced by configuring the resilience of a fulcrum bumper using resilient, rheological, or active systems. An active system will control vehicle height while stationary to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle.