Vibration Measurement, Machine Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Machine Vibrations: From Simple Vibration Measurement to Operational Vibration Analysis and Modal Analysis to Condition Monitoring

If undesirable vibrations occur on a machine, fast action is required. The first step is always a measurement analysis to find out what is causing the vibration or noise problem ("root cause analysis").

Before starting with this, it is important to have an understanding of

  • the structural design of the machine or plant,
  • the drive concept,
  • the power transmission elements and
  • the machining or production process.

Based on this, our vibration expert can develop an optimal measurement concept for the task at hand – that means, for example, determining at which points which parameters are to be recorded under which operating conditions and under which excitation.

Our goal is to make as few but meaningful measurements as possible. Depending on the task, a vibration evaluation (e.g. "permissible" or "critical") can be performed afterwards. The result is the basis on which we propose one or more concepts for vibration reduction. Clean documentation of measurements, results and solution concept is a matter of course.

Examples of vibration evaluations and investigations for troubleshooting purposes:

  • Vibration evaluation according to standards, e.g. DIN ISO 10816
  • Operational Deflection Shape (ODS) analysis in running production
  • Machine run-ups with waterfall evaluation
  • Root cause analysis through synchronized averaging
  • Identification of resonance frequencies by modal analysis (EMA or OMA)
  • Rolling bearing diagnosis

Waterfall analysis: 2D/3D visualization of machine run-up

State-of-the-art: Our (measuring) technology

Crucial for success in troubleshooting and machine diagnosis is, of course, not only the know-how of the engineers but also the available measuring technology. We use the following systems in particular:

  • Data acquisition and analysis software for machine diagnostics
  • Signal acquisition systems (up to >> 48 channels, real-time synchronous sampling, anti-aliasing filter, highest sampling rates)
  • Acceleration measurement: Extensive portfolio of 1D and 3D sensors with different measuring ranges
  • Speed measurement: Geophone, laser scanning vibrometer
  • Other sensors for recording e.g. angular acceleration, force, strain, pressure or speed
  • Impact hammers with force sensors in different sizes
  • Mobile shakers (of different performance classes)

Our specialties

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While some tasks – for example, making production more efficient or reliable and complying with occupational health and safety regulations – are similar for all machine types, there are also individual challenges in each industry. Over the past decades, in countless projects for manufacturers and operators of paper machines and machine tools, we have been able to build up valuable specialist knowledge in these industries:


Please contact us personally

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We will be happy to advise you on questions relating to vibrations and noise in mechanical engineering.

Dr.-Ing. Marcus Ries
Head of Vibration Measurement + Reduction

+49 931 49708-370
ries@woelfel.de
Contact form

Study

Mechanical Engineering, TU Darmstadt

Acadamic Degree

Dipl.-Ing. / Dr.-Ing