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What is Sound and Vibration Testing?

The vibration of any object can be measured using an instrument called a vibration analyzer. Vibration testing can be performed on many different materials, such as wood, metal, fiberglass, plastics, and glass. Several different types of vibration testing can be used in manufacturing facilities. Some of these include fatigue testing, creep testing, resonance testing, and damping.

If you think about it, perhaps you have had a friend or relative who had a tester set up at their house and left it running while they were away. This test will generate very little noise, so the doorbell did not wail or anything like that, which is why most people think that vibration testing is done with some machinery. While this is the case, it can also be done without any machinery using special instruments and techniques.

To perform vibration analysis, two or more instruments are used. One tool measures the speed of the vibration and the other measures the frequency of the pulse. This second measurement is known as the frequency response. This will allow the analyzer to determine the frequency level of the beat, which can then be compared to the sound that the source produces.

The vibrations are usually of interest only if they are random vibrations. However, if the vibrations are caused by something unnatural or thunderous, then you should consider further testing. Some sources of naturally occurring beat can be considered, such as when an object is hit or moved by a high-powered weapon. Some materials naturally produce vibrations, such as the inner core of granite or soapstone.

Vibration testing should not be confused with vibration measurement. The job of a vibration tester is to determine whether or not a product is within specifications. Vibration testing is sometimes combined with other methods to isolate and better understand any irregularities in the materials being tested. Many manufacturers use vibration testing as part of their quality control process. This is especially true in the case of automobile and aircraft products.

Although the job of what is sound and vibration testing may seem daunting, it can be simplified using a few simple instruments. Materials testing laboratories commonly have a table that has two pans on either side of it. These pans are filled with water, oil, and a variety of different substances.