Abstract A new way of estimating critical damping in dynamic relaxation is proposed using the concept of a mass‐dependant load vector, a postulate concerning vibrations and Rayleigh's principle. The method should be particularly appealing in those not uncommon circumstances where the actual loads are approximately proportional to the masses for then the computer time required in evaluating the various constants would actually be a part of the problem‐solving time.
Per O. YttervollKarl J. Eidsvik