CHAPTER 5: VIBRATION MEASUREMENT

CONCEPTS AND FORMULAS

Vibration refers to mechanical oscillations about an equilibrium point. It is typically characterized by amplitude (the
magnitude of oscillation), frequency (the rate of oscillation), and direction. Vibration occurs in various forms, such as
periodic (repeating at regular intervals) or random (without a predictable pattern).

Vibration Measurement

 Purpose of Measurement: Vibration measurement is crucial in assessing the health and performance of
machinery, structures, and systems. It helps in identifying potential issues like imbalance, misalignment,
bearing failures, and structural weaknesses.
 Parameters Measured: Vibration measurements typically focus on amplitude, frequency, and direction.
These parameters aid in diagnosing the source, severity, and nature of vibrations.

Impulse Vibration: Involves sudden, short-lived vibrations, often from impacts or transient events. Measurements
capture rapid changes in acceleration over brief intervals.

Continuous Vibration: Ongoing or repetitive vibrations are measured over time to understand long-term trends,
machinery behavior, and structural integrity

Vibration Measurement Equipment:

Example 4a

Determine the necessary stiffness and damping constant of an accelerometer if the maximum error is to be limited to
3 percent for measurements in the frequency ratio of 0 to 100 Hz. Assume that the suspended mass is 0.05 kg.
Example 4b

A vibrometer used to measure the vibration of an engine whose operating-speed range is from 500 to 2000 rpm. The
vibration consists of two harmonics. The amplitude distortion must be less than 3 percent. Find the natural frequency
of the vibrometer if the damping ratio ζ = 0.6.