VIBRATION MEASUREMENT

AND ANALYSIS
GROUP 1

MEMBERS:
ABRENICA, IVAN CARL Q.
ALMOJUELA, CHRISTOPHER M.
GARINGARAO, JULIUS CEAZAR D.
GIRON, CHRISTIAN IAN A.
PIMENTEL, LOVELY N.
RULLAN, PATRICK F.
 Vibration Measurement and Analysis
Introduction
Measurement of vibrations can be performed using different kinds of vibration
measuring instruments in which different parameters of vibratory or body can be studied
and analyzed the system.
The vibrations are desirable as well as undesirable
For the case in which vibrations are desirable, it is important to know what amount
of vibrations are needed to perform the specific task.
For example, vibration of mobile phone, vibratory shakers, feeders, etc.
For the case in which vibrations are undesirable, it is also important that to protect
the system or other nearer machines or structures from its harmful effect, which may cause
failure of vibratory system or nearly machine or structure.
In most cases vibrations are measured in the field at which machines or structures
are installed and test to be performed on it known as field tests.

VIBRATION CONTROL METHODS

A. EXCITATION CONTROL OF SOURCE
• Balancing of unbalanced inertia forces – rotors, engines, shafts
• Changing the flow characteristics for flow induced vibrations
• Proper lubrication of joints- Reducing friction, avoiding vortex shedding to reduce
self-excitation,
• Reduce parameter variation for parametric excitation
• Modification in surface finish
• Source provides the energy to maintain vibration.
• Sources of vibration could be of several types
SOURCE OF VIBRATION
1. Transient – for e.g. shock loading
2. Forced excitation – Source (continuous) independent of Response
3. Self-excited – Source generated by the Response for e.g. vortex induced vibration.
4. Parametric excitation – System parameters (m,c or k ) change with respect to time.

SOURCE ISOLATION
• Modify the transmission path of vibration between source and the system to protect
the system.
• Example - Insertion of resilient elements – Springs, Dampers, Viscoelastic
Materials, Pneumatic Suspension etc. between the source and the system.
SYSTEM MODIFICATION
• A large number of methods exist in this group including detuning, decoupling,
using additive damping treatments (constrained and unconstrained), stiffeners and
massive blocks (as foundation)
Reasons for the measurement of vibrations
1. Some machines are running at high speeds which may cause resonant condition and they
may get fail.
2. In some situations the excessive vibrations may transfer to the nearby machines or
structures.
3. To check the health of the machines.
4. To understand the dynamic behaviour which is necessary to measure the vibrations
5. Helps to identify important parameters of system such as mass, stiffness and damping.

Vibration Measuring Instruments

The primary purpose of the vibration measuring instrument is to give an output
signal may be displacement, velocity or acceleration of vibrating system.
Vibration measuring devices having mass, spring, dash pot, etc. are known as
seismic instruments.

Classification of vibration measuring instruments

1. Classification base on contact
a. Contact Type
These types of vibration measuring instruments are in direct contact with
the vibration machines. These instruments are compact in size. Ex. Accelerometer
b. Non-contact Type
These types of vibration measuring instruments are used when it is very
difficult to use the contact type vibration measuring instruments. These types of
instruments are also small in size.
2. Classification base on display method
a. Indicating Type
In these instruments, the measured data are displayed on the display unit of
the instruments.
b. Recording Type
These instruments are used to display and also to record the data for future
analysis. Ex. FFT Analyzer
3. Classification base on power source
a. Active System
In these instruments, source of power is required to operate the instruments
for vibration measurement. Ex. FFT Analyzer
b. Passive System
These instruments do not require any outside source of power to operate the
instruments. They are compact, handy and battery operated. Ex. Frahm’s
Tachometer
TOOLS IN MEASURING VIBRATIONS
Vibration Meter
• A vibration meter is used in manufacturing for machine condition monitoring,
product testing and quality assurance. Many machine maintenance technicians use
vibration meter devices in tandem with sound level meters to analyze frequency.
Accelerometer
• Accelerometers can be used to measure vehicle acceleration. Accelerometers can
be used to measure vibration on cars, machines, buildings, process control systems
and safety installations.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF VIBRATION ANALYSIS

Before taking proper vibration readings on a gearbox, the following aspects must
be taken into account.

MEASURING SENSORS
• When taking spectral readings on a gearbox, make sure that the gearmesh frequency
is included and, at least, a second harmonic is included as well. Depending on the
rotating speed of the shafts and the number of teeth, this can be a very high
frequency and it must be ensured that the sensor selected features a suitable
frequency range.
• The sensor used is usually an accelerometer, since it has a frequency range much
higher than that of a velometer. Once the appropriate sensor has been determined,
the mounting method must be selected to ensure that the sensor response using that
mounting method covers the frequencies of interest. Measurements taken using
magnetic bases are recommended as a minimum requirement.

MEASURING UNITS
The accelerometer selected for taking the readings can be used to take acceleration
or velocity vibration readings, depending on whether or not an integration of the sensor
signal is performed. If the frequencies of interest are within a range lower than 60,000
CPM, it is recommended to work on velocity for a better analysis of the spectrum. If the
frequencies of interest are located above 60,000 CPM, it is not necessary to perform an
integration of the signal to velocity but just work directly in acceleration. However, the
technology has now advanced substantially, so predictive maintenance vibration analysis
software features digital integration of the frequency spectra already stored, so frequency
spectrum acquisition units are usually not a relevant concern.

ANALYSIS PARAMETERS
Variations in the mechanical behavior of a gearbox are in principle associated with
variations of the amplitudes of the gearmesh frequency and its harmonics. These
frequencies, being high frequencies, usually have little influence on the overall level of
vibration in velocity. To detect these variations, the vibration amplitude level for a set of
predefined spectrum frequency bands is calculated. In this way, any variation in the spectral
activity associated with the condition of the gearbox can be detected. The frequency bands
or analysis parameters detailed in the following table are recommended, where each one is
associated with some type of particular defect that the gearbox can develop. The last of
these parameters measures the activity at high frequency and therefore will have
acceleration units.

Spectral parameter Bandwidth

Imbalance 0.3x to 1.5x RPM

Misalignment 1.5x to 2.5x RPM

Looseness 2.5x to 10.5x RPM

Phantom peaks and sidebands of the 10x RPM to 1x GMF – 5x RPM

first gearmesh frequency harmonic.
First gearmesh frequency harmonic. 1x GMF – 5x RPM to 1x GMF + 5x RPM

First and second gearmesh harmonic 1x GMF – 5x RPM to 2x GMF + 5x RPM

sidebands, bearing frequencies.
Second gearmesh frequency 2x GMF – 5x RPM to 2x GMF + 5x RPM
harmonic.

Overall condition of the gearbox and 1 kHz to 20 kHz

rolling element bearings.
Lubrication of the gearbox and
rolling element bearings.