Vibration tests are generally used to evaluate the behavior and durability of manufacturing components and equipment that are subjected to vibration. Conducting these tests requires a laboratory environment to generate specific vibrations (amplitude and frequency) for a designated period of time. In some vibration tests, the vibration parameters are constant, while in others, they are variable.

The most common types of vibration tests are as follows:

Resonance Test
Durability Test
Performance Test

Resonance Test

This test is used to determine the natural frequency of a component. The component is secured on a suitable shaker, and both the input force signal and the generated vibration are measured. By using vibration control equipment and phase comparison, a phase difference of 90 degrees is identified as the natural frequency. Additionally, the mode shapes can be identified using a stroboscope.

Durability and Performance Test

This test is essentially a fatigue test that uses a vibration controller to generate a vibration signal, which can be either constant or with a variable frequency (sweeping frequency between two limit values). The amplifier converts this signal into a suitable voltage and current for the shaker, allowing the desired vibrations to be applied to the test component. Typically, the component must undergo vibrations for a specified number of hours in various directions, after which potential failures are assessed.

Generally, specific standards exist for components mounted on vibrating equipment, such as vehicles, which define the amplitude, frequency, and type of excitation.

For performance testing, the same equipment and setup used in durability tests are employed to study the vibrational behavior of the component. Instruments like a stroboscope are utilized to observe the movements and deformations occurring in the component.