Bridging surface engineering and vibration attenuation: A tribo‑dynamic perspective for manufactured mechanical systems

  • Guibin Sun orcid

    Department of Intelligent Manufacturing, Laiwu Vocational and Technical College, Jinan 271100, China
  • Yirui Sun orcid

    School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
  • Emil Abdraimov orcid

    Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov, Bishkek 720044, Kyrgyz Republic
Article ID: 4502
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/sv4502
Keywords: surface engineering; vibration attenuation; tribo-dynamics; functional coatings; manufactured mechanical systems

Abstract

The attenuation of vibration is one of the most important requirements in the manufacture of mechanical systems which are required to meet high speed, high load, light weight and precision control requirements. A traditional approach to vibration control is to redesign the structure, use passive damping or isolation systems, or use active control; the dynamic properties of the surface and interfaces are considered secondary. The aim of the present review is to adopt a surface-centered point of view by discussing how surface engineering can be used to achieve vibration attenuation by regulating the stiffness in contact, stabilizing the friction, damping at the interface, suppressing wear and enhancing the integrity of the surface. Functional coatings, solid lubricant films, viscoelastic layers, surface texturing, micro/nanopatterning, mechanical surface treatments, architectures for additive manufacturing (AM), and smart adaptive surfaces are critically discussed with regard to their vibration-control mechanisms and limitations. The focus is on tribo-dynamic coupling, i.e., coupling between friction, wear, lubrication and vibration, which can either dampen or amplify the dynamic response, depending on the feedback mechanisms between the components. The review also examines experimental characterization, multi-scale modelling, and applications in bearings, gears, machine tools, rotating machinery, automotive systems, aerospace components, robotics and biomedical devices. An integration of tribology, material science, manufacturing and structural dynamics is emphasized for effective vibration attenuation at surfaces. Standardized testing, predictive modeling, durability assessment, and system-level design frameworks are key to future progress. The surfaces of engineered systems should therefore be considered as more than just a physical barrier, but as a functional dynamic interface that can act as a quieter, more efficient, and more reliable mechanical system.

Article Status
In press
How to Cite
Sun, G., Sun, Y., & Abdraimov, E. (2026). Bridging surface engineering and vibration attenuation: A tribo‑dynamic perspective for manufactured mechanical systems. Sound & Vibration, 60(6). https://doi.org/10.59400/sv4502
Issue
Vol. 60 No. 6 (2026): In Progress
Section
Article

Copyright (c) 2026 Guibin Sun, Yirui Sun, Emil Abdraimov

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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