What is a damper?

A damper is a device or concept that reduces, regulates, or suppresses some form of energy, flow, motion, sound, or enthusiasm. In HVAC and chimney systems, a damper is a movable plate, valve, or set of blades inside a duct or flue that controls airflow, allowing you to balance air to different rooms, shut off draft, prevent backdrafts, or save energy by closing off outside air. In automotive engineering, a damper, commonly called a shock absorber, is part of the suspension that absorbs road bumps and prevents the car from bouncing continuously, improving comfort and safety by converting kinetic energy into heat. In structural engineering, large dampers such as tuned mass dampers reduce sway in skyscrapers and bridges during wind or earthquakes. In musical instruments like pianos, a damper is a felt pad that rests on strings and stops them vibrating when a key is released. Figuratively, a damper is anything that has a depressing or discouraging effect on mood or activity, as in put a damper on the party. In Australian English, damper also refers to a traditional campfire bread. All meanings share the core idea of lessening intensity.