Topic explanation

Standard explanation

Critical damping is the minimum damping that allows a displaced system to return to equilibrium as quickly as possible without oscillating.

Key points

• mẍ+bẋ+kx=0
• b_c = 2√(mk)
• b_c=2√(mk)
• Underdamped: Depending on damping strength, an oscillator may be: Oscillates while amplitude decreases.
• Critically Damped: Returns rapidly to equilibrium without oscillating.
• Critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory return in the ideal model.

Labelled diagram