---
title: "Resonance"
description: "Resonance is the amplification of vibration that occurs when a driving frequency matches a natural mode of a system. It is the mechanism by which a diaphragm horn sustains 140–180 dB output from modest pneumatic input — the diaphragm and bell are tuned so the driving pressure pulse hits their natural frequency."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/resonance"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:22.579Z"
---

**Resonance** is the amplification of vibration that occurs when a driving frequency matches a natural mode of a system. It is the mechanism by which a [diaphragm horn](/glossary/diaphragm-horn) sustains 140–180 dB output from modest pneumatic input — the diaphragm and bell are tuned so the driving pressure pulse hits their natural frequency.

## Two faces in industrial cleaning

**Useful resonance.** The horn itself; matching certain horn fundamentals to the bulk dimensions of a cleaning target so the sound field fills the vessel uniformly.

**Hazardous resonance.** Tube banks, fan blades, duct walls and damper assemblies all have their own natural frequencies. If a sonic horn's [fundamental](/glossary/fundamental-frequency) or one of its [harmonics](/glossary/harmonic) coincides with a structural mode, sustained vibration can fatigue welds or loosen fixings. Multi-horn installation design routinely includes a vibration check against the equipment's modal map.

## Related terms

- [Fundamental frequency](/glossary/fundamental-frequency)
- [Harmonic](/glossary/harmonic)
- [Standing wave](/glossary/standing-wave)
- [Sonic horn](/glossary/sonic-horn)