Chapter 18

INTRODUCTION
Resonance is a large-amplitude vibration caused by a small periodic stimulus having the same, or nearly the same, period as the systems natural vibration. In other words, a low-level energy source may excite a natural frequency and cause a substantial increase in its amplitude. Every machine-train has at least one natural vibration frequency. Resonance is a very destructive vibration and, in most cases, will cause major damage to the machine or support structure. An example of resonance is a tuning fork. If you activate a tuning fork by striking it sharply, the fork vibrates rapidly. As long as it is held suspended, the vibration decays with time. However, if you place it on a desk top, the fork may excite the natural frequency of the desk, which dramatically amplifies the vibration energy. The same thing can occur if one or more of the running speeds of a machine excites the natural frequency of the machine or its support structure. The key point to remember is that a very low amplitude energy source can cause a large vibration amplitude when its frequency coincides with the natural frequency of a machine or structure. Higher levels of input energy can cause catastrophic, near-instantaneousfailure of the machine or structure.

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