V I B R A T I O N C O N T R O L

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Glossary of Commonly Used Vibration and

Vibration Control Terms
Absolute. A term applied to Average. Refer to a textbook on Crossover Frequency. In sinusoidal
calibration (e.g. of an accelerometer) electrical engineering. In the exclusive vibration testing, the unique foreign
BREADBOARDS & GRID

based upon the primary standards of case of a pure sine wave, the average frequency at which the required
PLATFORMS

mass, length and time. (See also value is 0.636 x peak value. displacement yields the desired
comparison calibration.) acceleration and vice versa.
Averaging. Summing and suitably
Absorber. A device capable of soaking dividing several like measurements to Cycle. The complete sequence of
up vibration. improve accuracy or to lessen any instantaneous values of a periodic
HONEYCOMB, GRANITE &

asynchronous components. event, during one period.

RIGID STRUCTURES

Acceleration. Acceleration is rate of

change of velocity with time (denoted Balancing. (Mechanical) Adjusting Damping. Dissipation of oscillatory or
as dv/dt or d2x/dt2), along a specified the distribution of mass in a rotating vibratory energy, with motion or with
axis, usually expressed in g or element, to reduce vibratory forces time. Critical damping CC is that value
gravitational units. It may refer to generated by rotation. of damping that provides most rapid
angular motion. response to a step function without
Broadband. Vibrations (or other overshoot. Damping ratio is a fraction
Accelerometer. A sensor or signals) which are unfiltered. Signals of CC.
ISOLATORS

transducer or pickup for converting at all frequencies contribute to the

acceleration to an electrical signal. measured value. Decade. The interval between two
frequencies which differ by exactly
Accuracy. The capability of an Calibration. (As applied to vibration 10:1.
instrument to indicate the true value. sensors) An orderly procedure for
Do not confuse with inaccuracy (sum determining sensitivity as a function deciBel. Ratios of identical quantities
ISOLATED PLATFORMS
WORKSTATIONS &

of hysteresis + non-linearity + of frequency, temperature, altitude, are expressed in decibel or deciBel or

temperature effect, etc.) nor with etc. dB units. The number of dB is ratioed
repeatability. against some standard or reference
Charge Amplifier. An amplifier which value in terms of base 10 logarithm of
Aliasing. A spectrum analysis problem converts a charge input signal (as the ratio. In measuring acoustic or
resulting from sampling data at too from an accelerometer) into an output vibration power, as in PSD or ASD or
low a rate. It causes high-frequency voltage; charge-to-voltage converter. random vibration, the number of dB =
STRUCTURAL RAILS &

signals to appear in a spectrum at low 10 log10P/P0. P0, the reference level,

CARRIERS

frequencies. Coherence. A measure of the equals 0 dB. In measuring the more

similarity of vibration at two common voltage-like quantities such
Amplitude. The magnitude of locations, giving insight into possible as acceleration, the number of dB =
variation (in a changing quantity) from cause and effect relations. 20 log10E/E0. E0, the reference level,
its zero value. Always modify it with equals 0 dB.
an adjective such as peak, RMS, Comparison. A term applied to
TESTING, ANALYSIS

average, etc. May refer to calibration (e.g. of an accelerometer) Degrees of Freedom. In mechanics,
& DESIGN

displacement, velocity, acceleration, in which sensitivity is tested against a the total number of directions of
voltage, current force of pressure. standard. motion, of all the points being
considered, on a structure being
Angular Frequency. (Also known as Compliance. The reciprocal of modeled or otherwise evaluated. In
circular frequency.) ω is the torsional stiffness, i.e., displacement divided by statistics, the number of independent
TECHNICAL REFERENCE

vibration frequency in radians per force. variables used in constructing a

second. Or divide by 2π and express in mathematical model representing
hertz (Hz) or (obsolete) cycles per Critical Frequency. A particular some collection of random variables.
second (cps). resonant frequency (see resonance) at
which damage or degradation in Deterministic Vibration. A vibration
performance is likely. whose instantaneous value at any

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future time can be predicted by an Fragility Test. Expensive but highly equipment, as opposed to natural
exact mathematical expression. useful dynamic tests of several environments.
Sinusoidal vibration is the classic samples (to account for variations in
example. Complex vibration is less tolerances material properties and Inertance (or Accelerance). The ratio
simple (two or more sinusoids). manufacturing processes) at of acceleration to force.
potentially destructive frequencies, to
Displacement. Specified change of determine fragility. Input. The mechanical motion, force

BREADBOARDS & GRID

position, or distance, usually or energy applied to a mechanical

PLATFORMS
measured from mean position or Free Vibration. Free vibration occurs system, e.g., the vibratory input from
position of rest. Usually applies to without forcing, similar after a reed is shaker to test item. Or an electrical
uniaxial, less often to angular motion. plucked. signal, e.g. from an oscillator to the
power amplifier driving a shaker.
Distortion. This refers to any Frequency. The reciprocal of the

HONEYCOMB, GRANITE &

unwanted motion. If sinusoidal period T in seconds (or a periodic Input Control Signal. Originates in a

RIGID STRUCTURES
motion was desired at a fundamental function; 1/T0). Usually given in Hertz control sensor; sometimes selected
frequency, distortion is any motion at (Hz), meaning cycles per second (cps). between or averaged between several
harmonics or subharmonics of the sensors. Used to regulate shaker
frequency, or any mechanical “hash” Frequency Response. The portion of intensity. (May originate in a force
(perhaps due to parts colliding). In the frequency spectrum over which a sensor for force-controlled testing.)
electronic measurements, distortion device can be used, within specified
is any unwanted signal; e.g. limits of amplitude error. Intensity. The severity of a vibration
amplifiers may generate unwanted or shock. Nearly the same meaning as

ISOLATORS
signals. Frequency Spectrum. A description Amplitude, defined earlier, but less
of the resolution of any electrical precise, lacking units.
Duration. of a shock pulse is how signal into its frequency components,
long it lasts. For “classical” pulses, giving the amplitude (sometimes also Isolation. A reduction in motion
time is usually measured between phase) of each component. severity, usually by resilient support.
instants when the amplitude is A shock mount or isolator attenuates

ISOLATED PLATFORMS
WORKSTATIONS &
greater than 10% of the peak value. Fundamental Mode of Vibration. shock. A vibration mount or isolator
That mode having the lowest natural attenuates steady-state vibration.
Filter. An electronic device to pass frequency.
certain frequencies (pass band) but Jerk. The rate of change of
block other frequencies (stop band). g. The acceleration produced by acceleration with time.
Classified as low-pass (high-stop), Earth’s gravity. By international
high-pass (low-stop), band-pass or agreement, the value for 1 Linear System. A system is linear if its

STRUCTURAL RAILS &

band-stop. gravitational unit is 9.80665 m/s2= magnitude of response is directly

CARRIERS
386.087 in/sec2= 32.1739 ft/sec2. proportional to its magnitude of
Forced Vibration. The vibratory excitation, for every part of the system.
motion of a system caused by some Harmonic. A sinusoidal quantity
mechanical excitation. If the having a frequency that is an integral Linearity. The closeness of a
excitation is periodic and continuous, multiple (x2, x3, etc.) of a calibration curve to a specified
the response motion eventually fundamental (x1) frequency. straight line, preferably passing TESTING, ANALYSIS
becomes steady-state. through zero. Commonly specified as
& DESIGN

Hash. Distortion (usually non- a % of full scale.

Forcing Frequency. In sinusoidal harmonic) on a signal. May be viewed
vibration testing or resonance on an oscilloscope trace. (slang). Mass. A physical property,
searching, the frequency at which a dynamically computed as
shaker vibrates. Impact. A collision between masses. acceleration divided by force.
TECHNICAL REFERENCE

Statically computed as W (which can

Fragility. The maximum load Impulse. The integral of force over a be measured on a butcher scale)
equipment can stand before failure time interval. divided by the acceleration due to
(malfunction, irreversible loss of gravity. Ordinary structures are not
performance or structural damage) Induced Environments. Conditions pure masses as they contain reactive
occurs. generated by operating some elements, i.e. springs and damping.

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Mean. A value intermediate between Peak-to-Peak Value. The algebraic Precision. The smallest
quantities under consideration. A difference between extreme values (as distinguishable increment (almost the
shaker’s mean acceleration must be D = 2X). same meaning as resolution); deals
zero; no steady-state acceleration. But with a measurement system’s possible
a vehicle can have steady-state Period. The interval of time over or design performance.
motion. which a cyclic vibration repeats itself.
Probabilistic Vibration. As compared
BREADBOARDS & GRID

Mechanical Impedance. The ratio of Periodic Vibration. (See also to Deterministic Vibration, one whose
PLATFORMS

force to velocity, where the velocity is Deterministic Vibration.) An magnitude at any future time can only
a result of that force only. Its oscillation whose waveform regularly be predicted on a statistical basis.
reciprocal, mobility, is today more repeats. Compare with probabilistic
favored. vibration. Quadrature Motion. (Or side or
lateral motion or crosstalk), any
HONEYCOMB, GRANITE &

Mode. A characteristic pattern in a Phase. (Of a periodic quantity), the motion perpendicular to the reference
RIGID STRUCTURES

vibrating system. All points reach fractional part of a period between a axis. Shakers are supposed to have
their maximum displacements at the reference time (such as when zero quadrature motion.
same instant. Natural Environments. displacement = zero) and a particular
Conditions occurring in nature, not time of interest; or between two Quadrature Sensitivity. (Or side or
caused by any equipment; effects are motions or electrical signals having lateral motion or crosstalk sensitivity)
observed whether an equipment is at the same fundamental frequency. of a vibration sensor is its sensitivity
rest or in operation. to motion perpendicular to the
Pickup. See Transducer. sensor’s principal axis. Commonly
ISOLATORS

Natural Frequency. The frequency of expressed in % of principal axis

an undamped system’s free vibration; Piezoelectric (PE) Transducer. One sensitivity.
also, the frequency of any of the which depends upon deformation of
normal modes of vibration. Natural its sensitivity crystal or ceramic Random Vibration. (See Probabilistic
frequency drops when damping is element to generate electrical charge Vibration.) One whose instantaneous
present. and voltage. Many present-day magnitudes cannot be predicted.
ISOLATED PLATFORMS
WORKSTATIONS &

accelerometers are PE. Adjustive ”Gaussian” applies if they

Noise. The total of all interferences in follow the Gaussian distribution. May
measurement system, independent of Piezoresistive (PR) Transducer. One be broadband, covering a wide,
the presence of signal. whose electrical output depends upon continuous frequency range, or narrow
deformation of its semiconductor band, covering a relatively narrow
Notch. Minimum spectral value, at a resistive element, offering greater frequency range. No periodic or
natural frequency. Also, the deliberate resistance change than does the wire deterministic components.
STRUCTURAL RAILS &

reducing of a portion of a test of a strain-gage transducer, for a given

CARRIERS

spectrum (random vibration testing). deformation. Range. A statement of the upper and
lower limits over which an instrument
Octave. The interval between two Platform. Per MIL-STD-810, any works satisfactorily.
frequencies differing by exactly 2:1. vehicle, surface or medium that
carries an equipment. For example, an Repeatability. (1) The maximum
Oscillation. Variation with time of a aircraft is the carrying platform for deviation from the mean of
TESTING, ANALYSIS

quantity such as force, stress, internally-mounted avionics corresponding data points taken
& DESIGN

pressure, displacement, velocity, equipment and externally-mounted under identical conditions. (2) The
acceleration or jerk. Usually implies stores. The land is the platform for a maximum difference in output for
some regularity (as in sinusoidal or ground radar set, and a man for a identically-repeated stimuli (no
complex vibration). hand-carried radio. change in other test conditions). Do
not confuse with accuracy.
TECHNICAL REFERENCE

Peak. Extreme value of a varying Power Spectral Density or PSD.

quantity, measured from the zero or Describes the power of random Resolution. The smallest change in
mean value. Also, a maximum spectral vibration intensity, in mean-square input that will produce a detectable
value. acceleration per frequency unit, as change in an instrument’s output.
g2/Hz or m2/s3. Acceleration spectral Differs from precision in that human
density or ASD is preferred abroad. capabilities are involved.

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Resonance. Forced vibration of a true Shock Pulse. A transmission of Stiffness. The ratio of force (or
single degree of freedom system kinetic energy into a system in a torque) to deflection of a spring-like
causes resonance when the forcing relatively short interval compared element.
frequency equals the natural with the system’s natural period. A
frequency, when any forcing frequency natural decay of oscillatory motion Strain-Gage Transducer. A
change decreases system response. follows. Usually displayed as time changing-resistance sensor whose
history, as on an oscilloscope. signal depends upon sensitive

BREADBOARDS & GRID

Response. The vibratory motion or element deformation. In an unbonded

PLATFORMS
force that results from some Shock Response Spectrum (or wire strain-gage accelerometer, inertia
mechanical input. SRS). A plot of maximum response of affects a mass supported by nichrome
SDoF systems vs. their natural wires; the wires change resistance in
Response Signal. The signal from a frequencies, as they responded to an proportion to acceleration. The term
“response sensor” measuring the applied shock. may include piezoresistive

HONEYCOMB, GRANITE &

mechanical response of a mechanical accelerometers.

RIGID STRUCTURES
system to an input vibration or shock. Signal Conditioner. An amplifier
following a sensor, which prepares Stress Screening. A modern
Ringing. Continued oscillation after the signal for succeeding amplifiers, electronics production tool for
an external force or excitation is transmitters, readout instruments, precipitating latent defects such as
removed, as after a guitar string is etc. May also supply sensor power. poorly soldered connections. Utilizes
plucked. random vibration + rapid temperature
Simple Harmonic Motion. Periodic ramping.
Rise Time. The time required for the vibration that is a sinusoidal function

ISOLATORS
output of a transducer to rise from of time. Subharmonic. A sinusoidal quantity
10% to 90% of its final value, as it having a frequency that is an integral
responds to a step change in the Slew Rate. The maximum rate at submultiple (x1/2, x1/3, etc.) of a
measurand. which an instrument’s output can fundamental (x1) frequency.
change by some stated amount.
RMS or Root-Mean-Square Value. Tailoring. Selecting or altering test

ISOLATED PLATFORMS
WORKSTATIONS &
The square root of the time-averaged Source Follower. A device for procedures, conditions, values,
squares of a series of measurements. converting a high impedance tolerances, measures of failure, etc.,
Refer to a textbook on electrical electrical signal to low impedance. to simulate or exaggerate the
engineering. In the exclusive case of Also referred to as an “impedance environmental effects of one or more
sine wave, σ, the RMS value, is 0.707 converter”. Generally has a voltage forcing functions.
x the peak value. gain of unity.
Time Constant. The interval needed

STRUCTURAL RAILS &

Self-Induced Vibration. Also called Spectrum. See Frequency Spectrum. for an instrument’s output to move

CARRIERS
self-excited vibration, results from 63% of its ultimate shift as a result of
conversion of non-oscillatory energy Standard Deviation. A statistical a change in its input.
into vibration, as wind exciting term: σ, the square root of the
telephone wires into mechanical variance σ2, i.e., the square root of the Tracking Filter. A narrow bandpass
vibration. mean of the squares of the measured filter whose center frequency follows
deviations from the mean value. an external synchronizing signal. TESTING, ANALYSIS
Sensitivity. Of a mechanical-to-
& DESIGN

electrical sensor or pickup, the ratio Stationarity. A property of Transducer. (or Pickup or Sensor). A
between electrical signal (output) and probabilistic vibration if the PSD (or device which converts some
mechanical quantity (input). ASD) and the probability distribution mechanical quantity into an electrical
remain constant. signal. Less commonly, the reverse
Sensor. (See Transducer.) conversion.
TECHNICAL REFERENCE

Steady-State Vibration. Periodic

Shock Machine. Or shock test vibration for which the statistical Transient Vibration. Short-term
machine, a device for subjecting a measurement properties (such as the vibration of a mechanical system.
system to controlled and peak, average, RMS and mean values)
reproducible mechanical shock are constant.
pulses.

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Transmissibility. In steady-state
vibration, T is the non-dimensional
ratio of response motion/input
motion: two displacements, two
velocities or two accelerations. The
maximum T value is the mechanical
“Q” of a system. At resonance, T is
BREADBOARDS & GRID

maximum.
PLATFORMS

Velocity. Rate of change of

displacement with time, usually along
a specified axis; it may refer to
angular motion as well as to uniaxial
HONEYCOMB, GRANITE &

motion.
RIGID STRUCTURES

Vibration. Mechanical oscillation or

motion about a reference point of
equilibrium.

Vibration Machine (or Exciter or

Shaker). A device which produces
controlled and reproducible
ISOLATORS

mechanical vibration testing of

mechanical systems, components and
structures.

Vibration Meter. An apparatus

(usually an electronic amplifier,
ISOLATED PLATFORMS
WORKSTATIONS &

detector and readout meter) for

measuring electrical signals from
vibration sensors. May display
displacement, velocity and/or
acceleration.

Weight. That property of an object

STRUCTURAL RAILS &

that can be weighted, as on a scale;

CARRIERS

the gravitational force on an object.

White Random Vibration. That

broadband random vibration in which
the PSD (ASD) is constant over a
broad frequency range.
TESTING, ANALYSIS
& DESIGN
TECHNICAL REFERENCE

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