MISALIGNMENT

& VIBRATION WHY SE TTLE FOR LE SS

MISALIGNMENT = Occurs when

ANGULAR MISALIGNMENT
the geometric centerline of two
coupled shafts are not collinear
along the rotation axis of both shafts.
Radial 1x Axial
1x 2x
DETECTION TIPS: 3x
2x
To distinguish misalignment 3x
from unbalance:
If the coupling side bearings on
each machine are essentially
180° out of phase, it is almost
certainly a misalignment issue.
If the horizontal and vertical phase
at the same bearing are essentially
in phase or 180° out of phase,
misalignment is highly likely. Phase
Measurement point
Soft foot indication:
A soft foot condition induces a Axes of the shaft centerlines cross each other at one point.
distorted motor frame resulting
- High axial vibration and amplitude at 1×.
in abnormally high 2× line
- 180° phase change with harmonics at 2× and 3×.
frequency vibration.

OFFSET MISALIGNMENT COMBINED MISALIGNMENT

Phase
Measurement point

Phase
Measurement point

2x

1x
- In practice, alignment faults will most often show a
3x combination of offset and angular misalignment.
- Diagnosis may show both 2× and an increased 1× signal in the
axial and radial readings.

- Higher Harmonics mean severe offset misalignment.

- High radial vibration at 2× with a lower 1×.
- Similar symptoms to angular misalignment.

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