Experimental Mechanics

, Volume 13, Issue 9, pp 390–396 | Cite as

Basic considerations for simulation of vibration environments

A brief review of the concepts of sinusoidal and random vibration, followed by discussion of practical limitations on simulating these environments in vibration testing
  • Wayne Tustin
Article

Abstract

Two basic classifications of vibration as found on land, sea, air and space vehicles are discussed: (1) sinusoidal, one-frequency-at-a-time vibration that seldom exists outside the laboratory; and (2) random, relatively broad-frequency-spectrum vibration commonly found in actual service.

Designers who need experimental verification of dynamic properties generally specify sinusoidal vibration forcing. The results of such tests are often used for design improvement. However, reliability specialists should insist that field environments be simulated as closely as is practical; this requires random vibration forcing, which is far more difficult to specify and far more expensive to accomplish.

Keywords

Mechanical Engineer Fluid Dynamics Dynamic Property Experimental Verification Actual Service 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Symbols

A

peak value of acceleration

a

instantaneous value of acceleration

D

peak-to-peak value of displacement

f

frequency

fN

natural frequency

K

spring stiffness

M

mass

Q

maximum value of transmissibility

T

transmissibility ratio

W

weight

X

peak value of displacement

x

instantaneous value of displacement

\(\ddot x\)

instantaneous value of acceleration

Z

mechanical impedance

π

pi

σ

sigma

sin

sine of angle

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Selective Bibliography

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Copyright information

© Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 1973

Authors and Affiliations

  • Wayne Tustin
    • 1
  1. 1.Tustin Institute of Technology, Inc.Santa Barbara

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