Vibration

Oscillatory movement of machinery components about their rest position, measured as displacement (μm), velocity (mm/s), or acceleration (g or m/s²). Vibration analysis is the cornerstone of predictive maintenance: characteristic frequencies reveal specific faults — 1x RPM indicates imbalance, 2x RPM suggests misalignment, bearing defect frequencies (BPFO, BPFI, BSF, FTF) identify rolling-element damage, and gear mesh frequency (teeth × RPM) reveals gear faults. Severity classified per ISO 10816 (velocity RMS) and ISO 20816 from "Good" (<1.8 mm/s for Group 2 machines) to "Dangerous" (>11.2 mm/s). Instruments: accelerometers, portable analyzers (SKF Microlog, Fluke 810, CSI 2140), and online monitoring systems. Excessive vibration accelerates bearing wear, causes fatigue fractures, loosens fasteners, and increases energy consumption. Root causes include imbalance, misalignment, looseness, resonance, and belt/chain defects.