The Importance of Vibration Consultants

Most people are unaware of just how important noise and vibration consultants are. That’s not to say they don’t reap the benefits of their expertise. They experience it every time they are in:

  •  Hospital
  • School
  • Doctor’s Office
  • Law Offices

Noise is made by vibration. So, the study of how and when vibrations occur is important to know how to suppress those unwanted sounds. It helps to keep quite spaces quiet, regardless of environment, number of patrons or coworkers, and architecture.

How does a Vibration Analysis Work?

There are various methods used to determine how the vibration is impacting the level of the sound. Some of those methods are listed below:

  • Vibration Analysis of Time Waveforms
  • Vibration Analysis on the Frequency Spectrum
  • Time Domain Analysis

Vibration Analysis of Time Waveforms

The vibration analysis monitors and investigates the patterns found in vibration signals. It analyzes time waveforms of the vibration pattern. This provides information on how and when to interrupt the pattern to dampen the sound.

Vibration Analysis on the Frequency Spectrum

This involves analyzing the waveforms as they appear on the frequency spectrum. Determine what frequency a sound is, provides valuable information as to how to combat it. In some cases, other frequencies can be used to cancel bothersome frequencies. These can be determined by having noise and vibration consultants do an analysis on the space in question.

Time Domain Analysis
This uses chronologically recorded waveforms to look for when and how several the abnormal vibration occurs. The analysis involves looking at

  • Root-mean-square (RMS)
  •  Peak Amplitude
  •  Standard Deviation
  •  Skewness
  • Crest Factor
  • Kurtosis

In many real-world applications, vibration measurements services will employ multiple types of analysis to determine the best course of action. This is of particular note when analysis complicated rotary machines. There could be multiple vibrations occurring and the use of multiple analysis tools when providing noise measurement services can be incredibly helpful identifying the source of the vibration and subsequent noise.

Types of Vibrations

Vibrations can occur in machinery, moving structures, and HVAC ductwork. Vibrations might come from these various sources:

  • Meshing gear-teeth
  • Rolling bearing elements
  •  Rotating electric field
  • Fluid flows
  • Combustion events
  • Structural resonance

Different Forms to Represent Vibration

  •  Velocity
  • Acceleration
  • Displacement

Displacement is how far the measuring point has moved between the peak of each vibration. Velocity is the description used to show fast the movement is. Acceleration is how quickly the sound moves from the lowest to highest point in the waveform of the vibration.

How Are Vibrations Measured?

There are specifically designed sensors which are used to measure velocity, acceleration, and displacement. The types of measuring technologies are listed below:

  • Microelectromechanical sensors
  • Proximity probes
  •  Laser Doppler vibrometer
  • Piezoelectric sensors

In Conclusion

Vibration consultants are invaluable in determining the cause of vibrations and unwanted noise. Sensor installation is key in collecting valuable data. Reach out to Valcoustics for your vibration and noise analysis. We are experts in noise and vibration reduction. We are your partner in acoustical design and noise control.