Vibration analysis is an important element in the understanding of machine dynamics, structural failure and fatigue life prediction. We use a combination of testing and finite element modeling to identify vibratory characteristics. Vibration tests can be performed using applied excitation from shakers or impact hammers, or operational vibration data. Recent advances in experimental mechanics has made it possible to predict vibration modes without any externally applied excitation force, making testing significantly easier and less expensive. This technique, which is used at SC Engineering can more easily identify modal behavior for a wide-array of applications from operating machines, to the analysis of large structures such as in-service passenger trains, buses and aircraft.

We also provide sophisticated data interrogation techniques needed in the complex analysis of forensics and failure causality. We conduct analyses based on variations of FFT processing, time-domain manipulation, coherence and correlation analysis, wavelet transformations, and chaos modeling, among others.

Analysis of machine dynamics for the purpose of detecting imbalance, bearing failure or performance deterioration for example requires an understanding of rotational harmonics and modulated signals. At SC Engineering we use our technology to analyze rotating machinery data giving us the ability to track harmonic vibration orders, correlating their effects with system acoustic and dynamic behavior. From our analysis we can reliably identify problems and recommend solutions that work.