B2404 - Vibration Analysis

Learning outcomes

At the end of the integrated course, the student masters the theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations of Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance for industrial equipment. The student is able to design and perform experimental vibration analyses, apply signal processing and numerical modeling techniques, and implement advanced Machine Learning–based diagnostic and predictive strategies for the dynamics and health assessment of mechanical systems. At the end of this module the student is able to arrange and conduct experimental tests to detect mechanical vibrations of mechanisms and machines, with different devices and transducers. The student knows numerical modelling methods and tools to analyze the dynamics of complex mechanical systems, including elastodynamic phenomena. The student gains knowledge about the main signal processing and analysis techniques for vibration response characterization and diagnostics of mechanical systems, enabling Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance strategies.

Course contents

• Detection of vibration signals through accelerometers
  • Sensor setup and acquisition parameters
  • Detection of stationary signals from gears and unbalanced rotors
  • Acquisition of nonstationary signals
• Analysis of signals from accelerometers
  • Time domain and frequency domain analysis of stationary signals
  • Time-frequency analysis of nonstationary signals
  • Other advanced analysis techniques
• Detection and analysis of signals from other transducers
  • Laser tachometers and vibrometers
  • Piezoelectric force sensors
  • Microphones
• Dynamic and elastodynamic modelling
  • Rigid and flexible multibody simulations
  • Dynamic substructuring
• Experimental Modal Analysis
  • Impact test
  • Modal shaker excitation

Readings/Bibliography

The slides and lecture notes shown during the course will be made available for download.

Suggested books (not mandatory):

• Rao S.S., “Mechanical vibrations”, Third edition, Addison Wesley Pub. Company, 1995.
• Inman D.J., “Engineering Vibration”, Prentice Hall, 1994.

Scientific papers for in depth study of specific topics.

Teaching methods

The course comprises:

• theoretical lectures with blackboard, PowerPoint slides and the support of multimedia tools;
• laboratory activities with equipment for acquisition of vibration signals.

Assessment methods

In order to pass the final exam, students must work on a team assignment (2/3 people) structured as follows:

• Practical test in the laboratory: arranging the setup of sensors and acquisition system, and performing measurements of vibration signals
• Processing and analyzing the recorded signals, to identify the phenomena of interest
• Writing a report/presentation on the performed activity and presenting the work in an oral session

The first practical test can be taken on the final day of the course. Then, it will be possible to make the measurements on the official exam dates. It is not possible to carry out the practical part and the oral presentation on the same exam date, since the oral presentation is based on the analysis of the signals measured in the practical test.

Students not attending at least 75 % of the practical activities in the lab must take an additional written test.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics, students are required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity. Any activity aimed at improperly altering the outcome of examinations (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, accessing online course materials, or using unauthorized AI tools) is strictly prohibited. In particular, mere possession of unauthorized materials or devices during the examination will result in the immediate invalidation of the test and reporting to the appropriate authorities.
Any conduct in violation of these rules may lead to disciplinary proceedings or, where applicable, referral to the competent authorities if criminally relevant; in such cases, the students involved may be subject to legal prosecution.

Teaching tools

Software for acquisition and analysis of vibration signals.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Martini