Vibration Analysis

Vibration analysis is a condition monitoring technique that measures and interprets machinery vibration to detect faults such as unbalance, misalignment, looseness, bearing damage and gear wear, usually by examining the vibration spectrum and waveform.

Sensors, most commonly piezoelectric accelerometers, are mounted on bearing housings or machine casings, while proximity probes measure shaft movement directly in machines with fluid-film bearings. Vibration is expressed as displacement, velocity or acceleration. Overall levels indicate general severity, while frequency analysis, usually by fast Fourier transform, separates the signal into components linked to specific sources. Characteristic patterns include a dominant peak at running speed for unbalance, a strong second harmonic or high axial vibration for misalignment, and components at bearing defect frequencies for rolling-element bearing faults.

Vibration analysis is the most widely used predictive maintenance technique for rotating equipment such as motors, pumps, fans, compressors, gearboxes, turbines and machine tool spindles. Data are collected on periodic routes with portable analysers or continuously with online systems, and wireless sensors have made monitoring of less critical assets more affordable. Trends over time are often more informative than single readings.

Interpretation requires knowledge of machine design, speeds and component geometry, and analyst skill matters; ISO 18436-2 sets requirements for qualifying vibration analysts. The ISO 20816 series, which is progressively replacing ISO 10816, gives guidance on measuring and evaluating machine vibration. Sensor mounting strongly affects the usable frequency range, and installing permanent sensors is governed by the OEM documentation and site safety rules.

Key points

Detects unbalance, misalignment, looseness, bearing and gear faults.
Uses accelerometers or proximity probes, with FFT spectrum analysis.
The most widely used predictive technique for rotating machinery.
The ISO 20816 series gives guidance on evaluating machine vibration.

Where AiVibe comes in

AiAmbA AI Factory use cases include predictive maintenance and visual inspection on textile, automotive and electronics lines. AiAmbA IoT normalises industrial signals from protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, with driver availability confirmed per installation.

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Vibration Analysis

Key points

Where AiVibe comes in

Related terms

Terms that refer to Vibration Analysis