Necessity of Vibration Measurement

 The measuring demand of higher productivity and economical

design lead to higher operating speeds of machining and
efficient use of material through light weight structures, these
tends to make the occurrence of resonant conditions more
frequent during the operation of machinery and reduce the
reliability of the system.
 Hence the periodic measurement of vibration characteristics
of machinery, structures becomes essential to ensure
adequate safety margins.
 Any observed shift of frequency or other vibration
characteristics will indicate either a failure or a need for
maintenance of the machine.
 The measurement of the natural frequency at a structure of
machine is useful in selecting the operational speeds at nearby
machinery to avoid resonant conditions. The measurement of
frequency of vibrations and the forces developed are
necessary in the design and operation of active vibration
isolation system.
 Fig. 1 Vibration Measurement

Vibration Signal Display Data

Vibrating m/c
transduc conversio unit Analysis
or
Structure er or n unit
pick up
 Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Spectrum Analyser
 Fourier transform is a mathematical procedure to obtain the spectrum of a
given signal.
 A signal which is represented by an equation or a graph or a set of data
points with time as an independent variable is transformed into another
equation or graph or a set of data points where frequency is the
independent variable by using Fourier transform.
 A mathematical set of data points can be converted to a spectrum, using
Fourier transformation programme in a digital computer.
 Thus the method to obtain the spectrum using computer is called as Fast
Fourier Transform (FFT).
 The instrument which converts the input signal, with time as an
independent variable, into frequency spectrum and displays it in graphical
form is called as spectrum analyzer or FFT analyzer.
 Block diagram of FFT analyzer

Signal
from
amplifier
through Sets the
filter level of
signals.
To
prevent
overloa
ding of
convert
er
Example of an Application
An example of an
automotive application of
frequency spectrum is
demonstrated in The roof
of a car vibrates
excessively at certain
driving conditions. The
vibrations signal measured
with an accelerometer is
complex and
contaminated, and it is
not clear what the cause
of this resonance is.
However the magnitude
spectrum of acceleration
reveals a peak at 30 Hz
which, after some
analysis, coincides with
the RPM of one of the
shafts in the gearbox
which rotates at 1,800rpm
at these driving
conditions.
 The Need for Frequency Analysis
Machinery usually comprises a variety of vibration sources such as motors, gears,
bearings, fans, etc. When devising measures to minimize vibrations and when trying to
locate the causes of problematic vibrations, measuring only the magnitude of vibrations
often will not provide enough information. It is also necessary to perform frequency
analysis, in order to determine which types of vibrations exist and what their levels are.
As shown in the illustration, the locations where vibrations occur will affect the vibration
frequency. Frequency analysis makes it possible to pinpoint vibration sources with greater
accuracy.
CONDITION MONITORING AND DIAGNOSIS OF MACHINES
 Condition monitoring of machine implies the determination of
condition of a machine and its change with time
 The condition of machines may be determined by measuring
physical parameters like : vibration, noise, temperature, wear
debris, oil contamination etc.
 The changes in these parameters are called as signatures.
 The signatures indicate the change in condition or health of a
machine.
 The analysis of signatures helps in predicting and preventing the
failure of the machine.
 The above parameters are measured or monitored continuously
or at regular intervals of time, depending upon the applications.
 Condition monitoring
techniques

Operational
Visual and aural Temperature Wear debris
variables Vibration monitoring
monitoring monitoring monitoring
monitoring

Optical Used for

pyrometer, bearing,
Thermocouple gears
VIBRATION MONITORING TECHNIQUES
 Vibration
monitoring
techniques

Frequency
Time domain
domain
 Time domain analysis

 The time domain analysis uses the acceleration time history

of the signal.
 The damages such as broken teeth in gears can be identified
easily from the acceleration time history of the casing of a
gear box.
 Frequency domain analysis

The frequency domain analysis or frequency spectrum is the

plot of amplitude of vibrations versus frequency, which is
converted from the time domain signals by using FFT
spectrum analyzer.
The frequency spectrum provides the valuable information
about the condition of a machine.
 Impact Hammer
 This looks like an ordinary hammer but its head is fitted with a load
cell and contains electronic circuitry and an output cable that can
be connected to vibration analyzer.
 On hitting the impact hammer on any structure an impulsive force
is applied to the structure which is a cantilever in our case.
 An equal and opposite force is sensed by the load cell fitted in the
head of the hammer.
 This generates an electric signal that is given to vibration analyzer
which analyzes the signal, compares with the signal received from
accelerometer fixed to the structure and this information is used to
develop FRF (Frequency Response Function) and finally the natural
frequencies of the structure are found.
 Frequency Response Function (FRF)
 Frequency response functions are used in vibration analysis and
modal testing. The purpose of modal testing is to identify the
natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes of a
structure.
 There are many tools available for performing vibration analysis
and testing. The frequency response function is a particular tool.
 A frequency response function (FRF) is a transfer function,
expressed in the frequency- domain. Frequency response functions
are complex functions, with real and imaginary components. They
may also be represented in terms of magnitude and phase. A
frequency response function can be formed from either measured
data or analytical functions.
 A frequency response function expresses the structural
response to an applied force as a function of frequency.
 The response may be given in terms of displacement, velocity,
or acceleration.
 If F(ω) is the input force as a function of the angular frequency
ω. H(ω) is the transfer function. X(ω) is the displacement
response function. Each function is a complex function, which
may also be represented in terms of magnitude and phase.

X()
H() 
F()