Vibration Measurement – Fundamentals, Significance and Modern Solutions

Why is vibration measurement important?

Vibrations are caused by movements, shocks or imbalances in mechanical systems. In production plants, vehicles, electrical equipment or structures, they can lead to malfunctions, premature wear or even structural damage. Vibration measurement serves to make these vibrations visible and analysable – often before failures occur.

Detected early – costly damage prevented. That is the core principle behind modern vibration monitoring.

What is measured during vibration measurement?

The most important physical parameters are:

• Acceleration (g / m/s²): Indicates the extent to which the velocity of a body changes due to vibrations.
• Amplitude: Measures the displacement of the movement – the higher the amplitude, the more intense the vibration.
• Frequency (Hz): Indicates how often a vibration repeats per second – important for distinguishing between typical sources (e.g. engine speeds).
• Impact load: Sudden shocks, such as those that occur when a machine falls or starts up.

Modern vibration measurement with data loggers

Vibration data loggers, such as the MSR165, are specifically designed to record movements in all directions (X/Y/Z) – with high resolution, long measurement intervals and robust technology.

Typical features:

• Measurement ranges up to ±200 g
• Sampling rates up to 1600 Hz (also for very fast events)
• Long-term storage (over 1 billion measurement values with an SD card)
• Energy-efficient and battery-powered
• Can be combined with temperature, humidity, light or pressure sensors (optional)

Analysis is carried out using specialised software – for example, to identify recurring vibration patterns or to assess transport stresses.

Typical areas of application

• Industry & mechanical engineering: detecting bearing damage, resonance frequencies and imbalances
• Logistics & packaging tests: measuring and documenting shocks during transport
• Construction & infrastructure: Long-term monitoring of bridges, tunnels and foundations
• Automotive & Aviation: Testing ride comfort, components and crash impacts
• Research & Quality Assurance: Documenting the effects of environmental factors on products

Useful information on vibration measurement

1. Standards & Specifications

The measurement and evaluation of vibrations are governed by international standards. Commonly used standards include:

• ISO 10816 / ISO 20816: Evaluation of vibrations in rotating machinery
• DIN EN 60721-3-2 / IEC 60068: Environmental influences on equipment and components
• ASTM D4169 / ISTA: Vibration and shock tests for packaging during transport

2. Distinguishing between types of vibration

Not all vibrations are dangerous. Vibrations can be categorised as harmonic (e.g. smooth motor operation) or transient events (e.g. impacts, external forces). Correct interpretation using suitable sensors and software is crucial.

3. Positioning is crucial

The positioning of the sensor affects the reliability of the results. It is best to mount the sensor as close as possible to the source of the vibration (e.g. on the bearing block, inside the housing or on the product packaging).

4. Identifying and avoiding resonances

If an external frequency matches the natural frequency of a system, dangerous resonance effects can occur. Vibration measurement helps to detect such conditions and prevent them, for example, through design measures or vibration dampers.

5. Vibration as a diagnostic tool

In maintenance, vibration analysis is increasingly being used for predictive maintenance: changes in vibration behaviour can indicate impending wear – even before visible or audible damage occurs.

Conclusion

Vibration measurement is far more than just the recording of vibrations – it is a strategic tool for quality, safety and efficiency. Modern sensor technology and data loggers make this technique easier and more precise than ever before.

Whether in industry, logistics, research or construction – those who measure vibrations gain a better understanding of what drives their technology.