Vibration Analysis Introduction
Vibration analysis training is a necessary process for engineers and technicians who desire to understand the vibration that exists in structures and machines. There are two types of vibration analysis tasks that are regularly done today. The first involves predicting the mechanical vibration that will exist in new products. The second involves evaluating the vibration that occurs in rotating machinery such as motors, pumps, and compressors. Advances in technology have greatly enhanced the vibration analysis process for both new and existing products. It is important for professionals in the vibration industries to keep up with the state-of-the-art in vibration analysis techniques.

Vibration Analysis Basics
Whether you are predicting the vibratory response of a new product, or you are analyzing the vibration that occurs in an existing product, vibration analysis is the study of resonance. Resonance occurs at specific frequencies (natural frequencies), where the vibration of the product is increased. Called modal analysis, this process is crucial to understanding the vibration behavior of any product. Once the fundamentals of vibration analysis are learned, vibration analysis training can proceed to more complicated topics, such as finite element analysis.

Finite Element Analysis
Finite element analysis (FEA) is normally used for vibration analysis of new product designs. This method allows the analyst to consider real-world structures that cannot be analyzed with elementary vibration analysis training. Using FEA for vibration analysis involves dividing the structure into a number of elements, and then performing a modal analysis. Using a defined vibration excitation (random vibration, for instance), FEA software is then used to predict the vibratory stresses in the structure. Vibration in existing machinery is analyzed with vibration analysis equipment and integrated software.

Machinery Vibration Measurement
Vibration analysis training is necessary for analyzing and evaluating the mechanical vibration that occurs in rotating machinery, such as motors, pumps, and bearings. Today’s vibration measurement equipment utilizes software that simplifies the analysis of machinery vibration performance. Multiple vibration data parameters are assessed to predict machinery operation. Called vibration condition monitoring, this procedure involves processing large quantities of data to determine if unscheduled maintenance is necessary, or if shutdown is required.