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Stiffness describes the ability of a body to resist elastic deformation. The transmission of power would not be possible without stiffness. However, there are events which should not be transmitted, such as torque peaks and shock loads. In order for a system to withstand such loads, it is damped. Engineers are confronted with the challenge to tune stiffness and damping in a vibratory system in such a way that reliable operation, essentially free of load peaks, is ensured.   

Every vibratory system consists of an exciter and a mass with a force-transmitting medium in-between. Resonance is caused if this system is periodically excited with its natural frequency. In the field of mechanical engineering, resonance is an undesired phenomenon.

The robust drill on the robot arm of the Mars Rover Curiosity helps scoop rock dust on Mars – a milestone for researchers. A friction spring made of stainless steel dampens the forces generated during the drilling process and prevents any resonance phenomena.