LESSON

5
LECTURE
VIBRATION AND NOISE ANALYSIS
SUB - OBJECTIVE
At the end of the lesson the Trainee ill !e a!le to de"onstrate an #nderstandin$ of
Vi!ration and Noise Anal%sis&
'&( INTRODUCTION
thus far, we have discussed vibration and noise in some detail, in terms of their
causes and general characteristics. We have also covered the operation of the
instruments used to measure noise and vibration; and b now, ou should have had
an opportunit to actuall ta!e some measurements.
The ne"t step is to be able to identif specific machiner vibration problems and
noise sources. This is the purpose of #$#L%&'&.
)*EN DO )E ANALY+E
$ormall, a vibration analsis is in order whenever periodic chec!s of overall
machiner vibration or noise have revealed a significant increase. (r, perhaps a
vibration monitor has signaled an alarm indicating that trouble is developing in the
machine. 'n the case of machine tools, the inabilit to produce a satisfactor
surface finish or maintain dimensional tolerances ma be a sign of mechanical
problems. The obvious ne"t step is to anal)e the vibration to find out wh.
When the problem is e"cessive noise, an analsis of both machiner noise and
vibration will reveal whether the noise is the result of mechanical problems in the
machine or inherent to normal machine operation.
#n analsis of machiner vibration and noise should also be made at the start of a
preventive maintenance program to determine whether or not the machine is in
good operating condition. 'f faults are present in the machine, our initial analsis will
reveal these so that corrections can be made to return the machine to normal
operation. #nalsis data ta!en with the machine in good operating condition is
called baseline data and provides the basis for comparison with future periodic
chec!s and analses.
To simplif our discussion, we will divide the analsis procedure into two steps; *+
,#T# #C-U'&'T'($ and .+ ,#T# '$TER/RET#T'($. The data ac0uisition
procedure outlined here is simpl a means of sstematicall measuring and
recording the detailed vibration or noise characteristics needed to solve the
problem. ,ata interpretation involves comparing our recorded data with what we
!now about the machine, its speed or speeds, what it does, and the !nown causes
of vibration and noise so we can pinpoint the trouble and prescribe correction.
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DATA AC,UISITION
# good analst !eeps complete records of his readings. This helps avoid confusion
and provides a historical record for future reference.
To simplif recording the analsis data, a standard form such as the one shown in
8ig. 69* is recommended. This form has provisions for recording all the information
normall re0uired.
T*E -AC*INE S.ETC*
'n order to identif the points at which vibration and noise readings are ta!en, both
for immediate use as well as for future reference, it is necessar to ma!e a
complete s!etch of the machine. # bloc! diagram such as that shown in 8ig. 69* is
normall all that:s re0uired. #lthough such a s!etch is not ver elaborate or artistic,
it covers all the basic elements necessar.
The s!etch must show all of the essential components of the machine including the
driver and driven units as well as ma;or accessories such as e"citers or gear drives.
't is important that the s!etch incorporate a basic laout readil recogni)able b
others. When noise measurements are to be ta!en in addition to vibration readings,
a top view of the machine should be used to identif the four measurement
0uadrants around the machine. 'f onl vibration readings are to be ta!en, a side
view of the machine ma be drawn.
The s!etch should show the rotating speed <R/2+ of each component. 2achine
si)e is indicated b noting the horsepower of the driver or the output of the driven
unit.
&ince vibration readings must be ta!en at each bearing of the machine, the location
of each bearing point should be clearl identified.
$ote the 'n fig. 69* that each bearing point is identified b a letter of the alphabet.
$ote also that standard smbols are used to identif plain bearings, antifriction <ball
or roller+ bearings and couplings.
When performing noise analsis, the location of the microphone in each 0uadrant
should be carefull dimensioned on the s!etch once these positions have been
determined b e"perimentation <&ee Chapter '''; =/ositioning the 2icrophone>+.
'n addition to the information needed to clearl identif the machine and the pic!up
and microphone locations, it is recommended that an additional information be
included which ma be helpful in identifing the sources of noise and vibration. This
ma include information such as gear meshing fre0uencies <number of gear teeth "
gear R/2+, the number of blades on a fan, the number of vanes on a pump impeller
or the presence of large, nearb machines which ma contribute bac!ground
vibration or noise.
&ometimes a more elaborate s!etch is re0uired to show important details. /erhaps
the machine has a histor of structural or piping problems. Thus, it ma be
necessar to show the relationship of piping, pipe hangers, duct wor! or structural
details particularl if vibration readings will be ta!en at points other than the
bearings of the machine. When performing a noise analsis, it ma be necessar to
s!etch in nearb walls or other reflective surfaces which ma have an influence on
our readings.
SU//ORTIN0 IN1OR-ATION
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%ou will note on the sample form 8ig. 69*, that space is provided for entering
important supporting information. This information should be filled in completel,
particularl if the analsis data will be retained and filed for future reference.
The specific machine being anal)e should be clearl identified b noting the
manufacturer, machine tpe, serial number, location or other details which will
distinguish the machine from other, perhaps identical machines.
Under TE&T C($,'T'($&, enter information defining the operating conditions of
the machine at the time the analsis is ta!en. This ma include conditions such as
speed, load, temperature, flow etc. $ormall analsis data should be ta!en with the
machine operating as it normall does.
3owever, a change in operating condition ma ma!e a noticeable change in the
vibration or noise characteristics. 'f the machine operates under variation
conditions, a few sample readings should be ta!en to detect an significant
variations in vibration or noise.
Under ,#T#, enter the da month and ear the analsis is ta!en. 'n some
instances, the time of da should be entree also because some machines will
change vibration and noise characteristics from one time of the da to the ne"t.
This change ma correspond with other plant operations, or it ma correspond to a
temperature change from the warm of mid9da to the cool of the evening which
could affect piping strains or machine alignment.
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1i$& 5-'& This for" is idel% #sed for ta!#latin$ noise and 2i!ration data&
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1ILTER OUT READIN0S
The ne"t step is to measure and record the overall or filter out amplitude and
predominate fre0uenc readings at each measurement point.
8or vibration analsis, both displacement and velocit measurements are recorded
for the 3(R'A($T#L, 1ERT'C#L #$, #B'#L pic!up direction at each bearing point
designated on the machine s!etch. These readings, properl recorded, are shown
in fig. 69.. <Where appropriate, filter out acceleration <g+ readings ma be ta!en
and recorded also. These could be entered and identified on the form in the column
normall used for recording noise measurements+.
When machiner noise is being anal)ed in addition to vibration, overall noise
amplitude and predominate fre0uenc readings for each 0uadrant are ta!en and
entered on the form as illustrated in 8ig. 69?. $oise readings ta!en for analsis
purposes should be ta!en using the =C> weighting networ! Cd4<C+D.
RECORDIN0 UNSTEADY READIN0S
&ometimes the filter out amplitude and fre0uenc meter readings will be unstead.
This is particularl true when the noise or vibration is comple". The meter needle
ma ;ump bac! and forth or it ma swing steadil bac! and forth in a cclic manner.
Whenever vibration or noise amplitude readings are unstead, these should be
recorded b noting the ma"imum and minimum swing of the meter needle. 8or
e"ample, if the amplitude meter pointer swings between, sa, ?.6 mils and 6.. mils;
this should be recorded as ?.6E6... similarl, if the noise amplitude swings between
F6 and GH d4, this should be recorded as F6EGH or F69GH.
,o not attempt to average an unstead amplitude reading. Recording a single or
average reading for one which is trul unstead ma indicate to others who stud
the readings that the amplitude was stead when, in fact, it was not. Record e"actl
what ou see.
When the fre0uenc meter is unstead, this simpl means that there is no single
vibration, or noise fre0uenc which is predominate overall the others. The usual
practice is to record unstead fre0uenc meter readings with a wav line. &ee fig.
69. and 69?. ,o not record the ma"imum and minimum swing of the fre0uenc
meter because this data ma not correspond with the actual fre0uencies causing
the meter to respond. 8or e"ample, vibration fre0uencies at *GHH and .6HH C/2
ma cause the fre0uenc meter pointer to swing from *6HH to ?HHH C/2 due to
inertia of the fre0uenc meter movement. ($L% &TE#,% 8RE-UE$C% 2ETER
RE#,'$7& #RE TRUL% 1#L',.
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1i$& 5-3& Re4ord the filter o#t dis5la4e"ent6 2elo4it% and 5redo"inate
fre7#en4ies at ea4h !earin$ in the hori8ontal6 2erti4al and a9ial dire4tions&
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1i$& 5-:& 1or noise anal%sis6 re4ord the filter o#t noise le2els and 5redo"inate
fre7#en4ies #sin$ the ;C< ei$hted netor=&
1ILTER IN READIN0S
8ilter out amplitude and fre0uenc readings are valuable for a number of readings.
8irst, the amplitude readings tell us the e"tent of the problem. &econdl, the
predominate fre0uenc readings ma direct our attention 0uic!l to the problem
source, and will ever often reveal vibration and noise fre0uencies we would not
ordinaril e"pect to find. 3owever, conclusions about the nature of a problem
should not be made, based on filter out readings alone; a thorough analsis of the
vibration or noise must be made with the tunable filter before an final decisions are
made.
To obtain the necessar filter in readings, the scanning procedure for tuning the filter
is recommended here. This procedure was discussed in detail in Chapter ''' under
Tuning the 8ilter to 8ind un!nown 8re0uencies. 4 scanning each fre0uenc range
with the filter, all vibration or noise fre0uencies of significance will be found without
tring the anticipate which fre0uencies will be present.
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This means that even persons who are not totall familiar with a machine can still
obtain good, complete analsis data.
To begin the filter scanning procedure, first loo! over our filter out data, and note
the measurement point where the highest amplitude was recorded. This is a good
place to locate our pic!up or microphone to begin scanning.
$e"t, prepare our anal)er as followsJ
*. 8'LTER &ELECT(R T( T3E 4R(#, position to permit rapid scanning.
.. 8RE-UE$C% R#$7E &ELECT(R to the lowest fre0uenc range
<Remember, for noise analsis, fre0uencies below IHH C/2 ma be
ignored+.
?. 8'LTER ,'#L turned tot he beginning of the fre0uenc range.
@. &elect ,'&/L#CE2E$T, 1ECL(C'T% or $('&E for measurement,
,isplacement is recommended for vibration fre0uencies below IHH C/2 and
velocit above IHH C/2. 8or noise analsis use d4<C+.
6. With the pic!up or microphone mounted or hand9held in position, ad;ust the
#2/L'TU,E R#$7E &ELECT(R for an up9scale amplitude reading in the
upper two9thirds of the meter scale if possible.
With our instrument set up as outlined, begin turning the filter tuning dial slowl
through the fre0uenc range while observing the fre0uenc meter. (f course, ma!e
sure that the amplitude meter is reading up9scale and one9scale at all times.
Continue to tune slowl until the fre0uenc meter loc!s on, indicating that the filter is
approaching a particular fre0uenc.
(nce the fre0uenc meter has loc!ed on, note the reading on the fre0uenc meter
and slowl turn the filter tuning dial until the dial reading is appro"imatel the same
as the reading on the fre0uenc meter. $ow, turn the filter selector to the &3#R/
position and ma!e fine ad;ustment to the turning dial to obtain the pea! reading on
the amplitude meter. %(UR 8'LTER '& $(W TU$E, T( T3E 8'R&T &'7$'8'C#$T
8RE-UE$C%. Without ma!ing an further ad;ustments tot he filter, proceed to
measure and record the amplitude of vibration or noise for this fre0uenc at each
measurement point designated on the machiner s!etch. 1ibration readings must
be ta!en in the hori)ontal, vertical and a"ial directions at each bearing of the
machine. 8ig. 69@ shows the first series of filter in readings properl recorded.
(bserving the rotating components with the strobe light will determine whether or
not the fre0uenc discovered is related to the rotating speed of some part of the
machine.
#fter the amplitude readings have been ta!en and properl recorded for the first
vibration or noise fre0uenc found, return the pic!up or microphone to the original
measurement point. &witch the filter selector bac! to the 4R(#, position and
continue scanning until the ne"t fre0uenc is found. #gain, fine9tune for the pea!
amplitude with the &3#R/ filter, and record the amplitude for this fre0uenc at each
measurement point and pic!up direction.
Continue the filter scanning procedure until all significant vibration or noise
fre0uencies have been discovered and their amplitudes properl recorded for each
measurement point designated on the machiner s!etch. 8ig. 696 shows the
complete analsis data obtained b this scanning techni0ue.
'n most cases, the fre0uencies found b scanning with the pic!up at the position of
the highest filter9out reading will usuall provide the information needed to solve the
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problem. 3owever, it is possible that other important fre0uencies might be present.
8or e"ample, it is 0uite possible that vibration fre0uencies are present on the motor
in 8ig. 696 which will not show up on the pump. Therefore, after the filter has been
scanned at the original measurement position, the filter scanning procedure should
be repeated on at least one pic!up location for each ma;or component <motor, gear
bo", hdraulic coupling, e"citer, etc.+ in the sstem, ;ust to see if an other
significant fre0uencies are present. 'n addition, for machines e0uipped with anti9
friction bearings, it is recommended that the higher fre0uencies <above R/2+ be
scanned at each bearing point. This is suggested due to the fact that in man
cases, the vibration resulting from fault anti9friction bearings is not readil
transmitted to other points on the machine.
1i$& 5->& Re4ord the 2i!ration for the hori8ontal6 2erti4al and a9ial dire4tions at
ea4h !earin$&
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SCANNIN0 AT EAC* /IC.U/ /OSITION
The ob;ective of the scanning procedure outlined in the preceding paragraphs is to
obtain all pertinent data at each measurement point.
The procedure outlined is sstematic, effective and re0uires a minimum of filter
tuning. 3owever, for those situations where a lot of time and effort is re0uired to
relocate the pic!up, it ma be advisable to scan the entire fre0uenc range for a
pic!up position and then move the pic!up to another location and again scan the
fre0uenc range.
This filter scanning procedure would then be repeated for each pic!up location on
the machine.
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C*EC.IN0 YOUR DATA 1OR CO-/LETENESS
Regardless of the filter scanning procedure used, a 0uic! chec! of our recorded
readings should be made to determine whether or not ou have found all the important
data. #fter ou have discovered all vibration and noise fre0uencies through filter
scanning and have recorded the amplitude and fre0uenc data, compare our filter9in
amplitudes with the recorded filter out amplitudes. #s a general rule of thumb, the sum
of the filter in vibration amplitudes <displacement, velocit or acceleration+ should e0ual
or e"ceed our filter out reading. 8or e"ample in 8ig. 696, ou will note that the filter out
amplitude in the hori)ontal direction at bearing point =#> is H.6@ inEsec. #dding the filter
in amplitudes <.@ L *GHH M .*L *H,GHH+ we obtain H.6I inEsec., which does slightl
e"ceed our filter out amplitude. This simpl tells us that we have most li!el found all the
important vibration data at that particular point. (n the other hand, loo!ing at the data
recorded for the hori)ontal direction at point =C>, ou will note that the filter out reading is
H.@G inEsec and the sum of our filter in readings is onl H..G inEsec. This means that
there is probabl some additional vibration information to be found, and we should scan
through the fre0uenc range with the pic!up at that position.
8or noise analsis, a similar chec!ing procedure can be followed. 3owever, as ou can
see from the data in 8ig. 69I, noise amplitudes in decibels <d4+ do not add the same wa
vibration amplitudes do.
The ,ecibel addition chart, 8ig. 69F, must be used to add our filter9in noise levels to
compare with our filter9out reading. 8or e"ample, in 8ig. 69I at microphone position N
*, the filter out noise level is GK d4<C+ ; and the filter9in noise levels are GI, G@, GH and
FK d4<C+ at fre0uencies of *GHH, ?IHH, F.HH and *H,GHH C/2 respectivel. Using the
#ddition Chart the noise levels are added one at a time, starting with the smallest two
and adding the sum to the ne"t largest value until all are combined.
8or our e"ample, we being b first adding FK d4<C+ and GH d4<C+. This is done b
subtracting the two levels <GH O FK P *+ and locating this difference <*+ on the hori)ontal
a"is of the chart. 8rom this point on the hori)ontal scale, move upward to intersect the
curve and from this point of intersection, cross over to the left to find the value indicated
on the vertical scale. 8or our e"ample, this value is appro"imatel ..6. #dd this value
<.,6+ to the larger of the two noise levels being added to find the result, <GH M ..6 P
G..6+. Thus, the result of FK d4<C+ and GH d4<C+ is G..6 d4<C+.
$e"t, add the resultant G..6 d4 to the ne"t noise level of G@ d4. 3ere the difference is
*.6 d4 and the added value from the vertical scale of the chart is appro"imatel ..?.
#dding this value to the higher of the two <G@ M ..?+ we obtain GI.? d4.
8inall, we add GI.? d4<C+ to the last noise level measured, GI d4<C+. 3ere the
difference is onl .? and the value added from the chart is appro"imatel ..G. Thus, GI.?
M ..G is GK.* d4<C+.
#s ou can see from the above e"ample, the combined effect of the four individual filter9
in noise levels of FK,GH, G@ and GI d4<C+ is appro"imatel GK d4<C+. Using the ,ecibel
#ddition Chart an number of noise levees can be combined b simpl starting with the
smallest two and adding each sum to the ne"t larger value until all are combined. 8or all
practical purposes, when combining noise levels in this manner those noise amplitudes
which are more than *H d4 below the filter9out amplitude can be ignored as their
contribution to the overall noise level is generall less than one half d4.
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ADDITIONAL DATA AC,UISITION /ROCEDURES
The procedures outlined thus far for obtaining our analsis data are essentiall
manual analsis techni0ues. %ou had to manuall tune the filter through the
fre0uenc ranges; manuall ad;ust for pea! amplitudes at each fre0uenc found;
and manuall record our data on the data sheet.
There are other methods to do this ;ob which are, perhaps, somewhat 0uic!er and
easier. These additional methods ma be classified as *+ semi9automatic, .+
automatic, and ?+ Real Time analsis.
SE-I-AUTO-ATIC ANALYSIS
&ome 'R, #nal)ers, such as the 2odel ?6H, 8ig. 69G, are available with provisions
for connecting a standard B9% recorder. (ne output receptacle on the anal)er
provides a ,.C. voltage proportional to the vibration or noise #2/L'TU,E to drive
the vertical or =%> a"is of the recorder, and another receptacle provides a ,.C.
voltage proportional to the filtered 8RE-UE$C% to drive the hori)ontal =B> a"is of
the recorder. Thus, as the operator manuall ad;usts the filter over the fre0uenc
range, the recorder will automaticall plot the amplitude versus fre0uenc data.
The plot in 8ig. 69K is a tpical e"ample of analsis data obtained in this wa. This
techni0ue is termed semi9automatic from the standpoint that the data is
automaticall recorded on the B9% recorder while the operator manuall ad;usts the
filter through the fre0uenc ranges. (f course, for a complete analsis of the
vibration, plots should be made in the hori)ontal, vertical and a"ial directions at
each bearing point of the machine.
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The data form in 8ig. 69K is arranged so that these three sets of readings for a
single bearing point can be included on the same form. %ou will note that space is
provided for entering a s!etch of the machine along with other important data such
as amplitude parameter, amplitude range, pic!up location, machine identification,
operating conditions, etc.
&emi9automatic analsis has man advantages over manual analsis. 8irst, man
sources of human error in observing and recording the data are eliminated. There is
less chance of missing significant noise or vibration fre0uencies, and analsis time
is greatl reduced b eliminating the need to fine tune at each fre0uenc found.
1i$& ':-:-A& An-B-Y re4order is #sed ith the IRD -e4hanal%sis -odel :5( for
a#to"ati4all% re4ordin$ a"5lit#de 2ers#s fre7#en4% data&
AUTO-ATIC ANALYSIS
#utomatic analsis is the term used to describe the procedure of obtaining vibration
or noise data where the instrument both automaticall tunes the filter and records
the data. The 'R, 2odel ?IH #utomatic &pectrum #nal)erE4alancer, 8ig. 69*H, has
this automatic analsis capabilit. This instrument incorporates an electronicall
swept filter along with provisions for simultaneousl plotting the amplitude versus
fre0uenc data with a standard B9% recorder.
The data obtained b automatic analsis is the same tpe of graphical amplitude
versus fre0uenc displa obtained b semi9automatic analsis, 8ig. 69K.
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'$ addition to automatic analsis, the anal)er pictured in 8ig. 69*H performs several
other important operations for solving difficult analsis and balancing problems. 8or
e"ample, this instrument also functions as a snchronous or trac!ing filter and has a
phase meter for measuring phase ver accuratel. To utili)e the snchronous filter
and remote phase readout, a reference pic!up is needed at the shaft of the
machine as illustrated in 8ig. 69**.
Reference pic!ups commonl used are the electromagnetic and photocell tpe,
however other reference inputs ma be used which will provide a pulse a * " R/2
of the shaft. The reference pic!up signal applied to the instrument actuall serves
two purposesJ
*. 8irst, the reference signal =loc!s> the instruments filter to shaft rotating speed
automaticall. Thus, changes in shaft speed have no effect on the accurac
of our amplitude and phase measurements. The filter is alwas tuned to
rotating speed.
.. &econdl, the reference pic!up serves as a fi"ed reference for phase
measurements. 'n simplified terms, the instrument compares the phase of
the vibration signal to the phase of the reference signal to provide an
indication of the phase of the vibration on the instrument:s phase meter.
Utili)ing the snchronous filter and remote phase readout provides the ultimate in
accurac for precision in place dnamic balancing.
#nother important function of the t6rac!ing filter is the abilit to actuall plot
vibration amplitude and phase readings versus rotating speed. Recordings of
amplitude and phase made during machine startup or coastdown reveal those
operating speeds where vibration is highest positivel identif critical speeds and
other resonant conditions. #mplitude and phase ma be recorded at the same time
using a two9pin <B9%*%.+ recorder. 8ig. 69*. shows tpical amplitude and phase
recording ta!en on a matching during startup. $ote the points of high amplitude
and the corresponding abrupt phase changes which occur when passing through
the critical speeds.
REAL-TI-E ANALYSIS
#nother method of obtaining accurate amplitude and fre0uenc data for noise and
vibration analsis is through Real9Time &pectrum #nalsis. With Real Time
#nalsis, the total amplitude versus fre0uenc analsis is displaed almost
instantaneousl as it occur on an oscilloscope. # Real9Time #nal)er designed for
field analsis wor! is the 'R, 2odel G6HEGIH (n Line Real Time anal)er illustrated
in 8ig. *?9?9*?. %ou will note that an oscilloscope is built into the front panel of the
#nal)er for instant displa of the amplitude versus fre0uenc analsis data.
/ermanent records ma be made b simpl recording the displa with the chart
recorder which is also built into the front panel.
The (n9Line Real Time anal)er is well suited for studing changes in machiner
vibration or noise O perhaps caused b changes in operating condition. Real Time
analsis is also useful for evaluating transient noise and vibration. Transient noise
and vibration is of an intermittent nature, often containing what appears to be
periodic motions which increase or decrease with time, as well as random
vibrations. 8or e"ample, a single blow of a forging hammer or punch press will
cause transient vibration and noise.
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(f course, manual, semi9automatic and automatic analsis techni0ues rel on the
vibration or noise being stead state. &ince these analsis techni0ues see and
record onl the instantaneous amplitude of noise or vibration at the immediate
fre0uenc to which the filter is tuned, an fluctuations or changes in vibration or
noise will not be indicated b the recorded data. Where the data changes with
changes in machiner operation or where it is desired to stud short9lived transient
vibration and noise, the Real9Time anal)er should be used.
The Real9Time #nal)er produces the same amplitude versus fre0uenc information
as the semi9automatic and automatic anal)er but in a much shorter time. The total
noise or vibration spectrum is displaed immediatel, without dela. The analsis is
automaticall and continuousl up9dated to show what is happening.
#s ou can see, Real9Time #nalsis has man advantages. The abilit to observe
the actual vibration or noise spectra while a machine undergoes changes in various
operating parameters provides information that would be difficult to obtain in an
other wa.
DATA INTER/RETATION
Thus far, we have outlined various procedures to follow to obtain accurate, reliable
analsis data. ,uring these measurements, the machine should have been
operating as it normall does. # chec! for an vibration or noise should also be
made after the machine has stopped to be sure that the measured noise and
vibration is not coming from another machine. 'f significant bac!ground noise and
vibration is present, then it is li!el that the original readings will be misleading.
(nce the necessar amplitude and fre0uenc information has been obtained, either
b manual, semi9automatic, automatic or Real9Time analsis; the ne"t step is to
review the recorded data and note the readings of significance for each noise or
vibration fre0uenc found. # recommended wa to simplif our evaluation of the
data is to simpl glance down each fre0uenc column and chec! or circle the one,
two or three most significant amplitude readings. &ee 8ig. 69*@. This is helpful for
reducing large amounts of data down to the trul essential elements.
-A.IN0 T*E CO-/ARISON
#fter the essential data has been determined, the ne"t step is to compare the
readings with the characteristics of vibration and noise tpical of various tpes of
trouble. The !e to this comparison is 8RE-UE$C%. # comparison b fre0uenc is
made on the basis of the rotating speed <s+ of the parts in the machine. (f course,
if there is doubt as to whether or not a noise or vibration fre0uenc is directl related
to some R/2 of the machine, the strobe light should be used.
When anal)ing machiner noise in addition to vibration, the ob;ective is normall to
determine what can be done to reduce e"isting noise levels. Where analsis
reveals that both the noise and vibration fre0uencies are the same, identifing and
correcting the source or sources of vibration will generall result in a substantial
reduction in noise also.
The table in 8ig. 69*6 lists the fre0uencies of vibration normall encountered, in
terms of R/2 of a part and the possible cause of the vibration. The trouble referred
to will be associated with the part whose R/2 is some multiple of the vibration
fre0uenc. The comparison made should indicate without an doubt the part
causing the trouble.
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1i$& 5-C& Vi!ration a"5lit#de 2ers#s fre7#en4% data re4orded ith an B-Y
re4order&
1i$& 5-'(& IRD -e4hanal%sis -odel :?( A#to"ati4 S5e4tr#" Anal%8er Balan4er&
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1i$& 5-''& The tra4=in$ filter of the -odel :?( re7#ires a referen4e 5i4=#5 s#4h
as a 5hoto4ell or ele4tro"a$neti4 5i4=#5 to 5ro2ide a 5#lse at ' 9 R/-&
1i$& 5-'3& /lots of a"5lit#de and 5hase 2ers#s "a4hine R/- 4learl% identif%
4riti4al s5eeds and resonate 4onditions&
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1i$& 5-'>& E9a"ine %o#r data and sele4t the "ost si$nifi4ant readin$s at ea4h
fre7#en4% for e2al#ation&
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1i$& 5-'5& This 4hart lists the 2i!ration fre7#en4ies nor"all% en4o#ntered and
the "ost li=el% 4a#ses for ea4h fre7#en4%&
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