Thread: Damping vs. Dampening

In the context of suspension. Which one is correct?

Originally Posted by toast2266

In the context of suspension. Which one is correct?

Damping is correct. 100%

unless your goal is to wash your shocks

Or soil your skivvies

Personally I agree - I've always said damping. However:

damping [ˈdæmpɪŋ]
n
1. moistening or wetting
2. stifling, as of spirits
3. (Electronics) Electronics the introduction of resistance into a resonant circuit with the result that the sharpness of response at the peak of a frequency is reduced
4. (Engineering / General Engineering) Engineering any method of dispersing energy in a vibrating system

damp·en (dmpn)
v. damp·ened, damp·en·ing, damp·ens
v.tr.
1. To make damp.
2. To deaden, restrain, or depress: "trade moves . . . aimed at dampening protectionist pressures in Congress" (Christian Science Monitor).
3. To soundproof.

both definitions include an action that could be used to describe slowing down suspension movement. Does that mean they're technically interchangeable?
If damping is a noun, and dampening is a verb, then does that mean a fork has a damping system that performs the act of dampening?

Sorry. This is pretty much the worst thread in the history of sprockets.

Damping is right, but so many people, even people who know the stuff, still use dampening. I've gotten over it. Car and motorsports suspension stuff happens to be what I do.

why do you give a fuck?

Ooh, look at Hugh, the big, tough post-modernist/deconstructionist!

Originally Posted by toast2266

both definitions include an action that could be used to describe slowing down suspension movement. Does that mean they're technically interchangeable?
If damping is a noun, and dampening is a verb, then does that mean a fork has a damping system that performs the act of dampening?

1. no, verbs can't replace a noun, and vice versa.
2. yes. A damping system dampens impact.

Next question: Star flanged nut or star fangled nut?

Friction fit preload backing plate to you, gumby

Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

why do you give a fuck?

Mostly because this is really important. But also because I'm writing a review and an this topic was raised by the editor. Figured I'd submit it to the all-knowing, all-seeing maggotry.

damping - when you piss yourself from the scary as hell drop, or had way to much drink last night

Dampening - to retrain or repress as in controlling suspension movement

That seems backwards.
Is this like "lightning" and "lightening"?
One is a bolt of smite, one is dawn.

I believe dampening would be something you do to a t-shirt before throwing it in the drier to get the wrinkles out, while damping is something I appreciate in my car or on my bike.

Trampling is something else entirely, but trampolines are fun.

If it has handles, it's a bag, not a sack.
If it's a fizzy non-alcoholic beverage, it's soda, not pop.

Excuse me while I take the lift down to the car park to pick up my estate in which I will take the motorway to my flat whilst navigating many a roundabout in a clockwise fashion. Wankers.

Your all a bunch of loosers.

Originally Posted by rideit

Your all a bunch of loosers.

I lul'd.

Originally Posted by jamal

Damping is right, but so many people, even people who know the stuff, still use dampening. I've gotten over it.

This.

.......

Originally Posted by rideit

Your all a bunch of loosers.

You keep it civil, or you'll get band.

Sent from my cell phone. no, a cell phone.

"Damn Ping!" = golfer who misses a putt.

"Damp inning" = baseball game with rain delay.

their you go again.