Vibration Analysis

Almost all machine vibration is due to one or more of these causes:

  • Repeating forces
  • Looseness
  • Resonance

Repeating Forces

These forces are mainly due to Out of Balance, Worn or Misaligned Machinery. If a machine is Out of Balance the heavy area exerts a force during each cycle of rotation.

Looseness

If a bearing has excessive wear, loose mounting bolts on a structure or worn or corroded parts can all cause looseness.

Resonance

A machine left to vibrate freely will tend to vibrate at its natural oscillation rate. If other repeating forces are applied vigorous and excessive vibration can occur. This resonance can cause rapid and severe damage.

If we monitor the vibration characteristics of a particular machine, this information can be used to detect developing problems before a costly repair is needed. (Possibly machine downtime)