LESSON

2
INTRODUCTION TO MACHINERY AND
NOISE
LECTURE
SUB - OBJECTIVE
At the end of the lesson the Tr!nee "!ll #e #le to de$onstrte n %nderstnd!n& of
Introd%'t!on to M'h!ner( nd No!se)
*)+ ,HAT IS VIBRATION-
Vibration is simply the motion of a machine or machine part back and forth from its
position of rest.
The simplest way to show vibration is to follow the motion of a weight suspended on
the end of a spring as shown in Fig. 13-2-1. This is typical of all machines since
they too have weight and spring-like properties.
!ntil a force is applied to the weight to cause it to move we have no vibration. "y
applying an upward force the weight would move upward compressing the spring.
#f we released the weight it would drop below its neutral position to some bottom
limit of travel where the spring would stop the weight. The weight would then travel
upward through the neutral position to the top limit of motion and then back again
through the neutral position. This motion will continue in e$actly the same manner
as long as the force is reapplied. This is vibration.
,HAT CAUSES VIBRATION-
%ith few e$ceptions mechanical troubles in a machine cause vibration. To list all
the possible troubles in a machine would be impossible so we have listed only
those most common problems which we know produce vibration. They are &
!nbalance of rotating parts.
'isalignment of couplings and bearings.
"en shafts
%orn eccentric or damaged gears.
"ad drive belts and drive chains.
"ad bearings ( anti-friction type.
Tor)ue variations.
*lectromagnetic forces.
+erodynamic forces.
,ydraulic forces.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 1
4ooseness
1ubbing
1esonance.
+ll of these causes can be reduced to one or a combination of five types of trouble.
*ither one or more parts will be unbalanced mis-aligned loose eccentric or out-of
tolerance dimensionally or reacting to some e$ternal force.
1egardless of how the causes of vibration are listed one basic thing must always
be true& The cause of vibration must be a force which is changing in either its
direction or its amount. #t is the force which causes vibration and the resulting
characteristics will be determined by the manner in which the forces are generated.
This is why each cause of vibration has its own peculiar characteristics.
.!&) */-2-*) V!#rt!on of s!$0le s0r!n&-$ss s(ste$)
THE CHARACTERISTICS O. VIBRATION
+ lot can be learned about a machine8s condition and mechanical problems by
simply noting its vibration characteristics. %hat are the characteristics which
identify a vibration9
1eferring to the weight suspended on a spring we can study the detailed
characteristics of vibration by plotting the movement of the weight against time.
This plot is shown in Fig. 13-2-2.
The motion of the weight from its neutral position to the top limit of travel back
through the neutral position to the bottom limit of travel and its return to the neutral
position represents one cycle of the motion. This one cycle of motion Fig. 13-2-3
has all the characteristics needed to identify the vibration. /ontinued motion of the
weight will simply be repeating these characteristics.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 2 V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-2) The $o1e$ent of the "e!&ht 0lotted &!nst t!$e)
VIBRATION .RE2UENCY
6ou will note from the plot in Fig. 13-2-3 that the amount of time re)uired to
complete one cycle of the vibration is the :period; of the vibration. #f a period of one
second is re)uired to complete one cycle of vibration then during one minute the
cycle will be repeated <= times or <= cycles per minute. This measure of the
number of cycles for a given interval of time >minute second hour etc.? is the
:fre)uency; of the vibration and is more useful than the period. For vibration work
fre)uency is usually e$pressed in terms of cycles per minute abbreviated /.'.
.!&) */-2-/) Chr'ter!st!'s of 1!#rt!on)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 3
VIBRATION DIS3LACEMENT
The total distance traveled by the vibration part from one e$treme limit of travel to
the other e$treme limit of travel is referred to as the :peak-to-peak displacement;.
.eak to peak vibration displacement is normally e$pressed in mils where 1 mil
e)uals one-thousandth of an inch >=.==1 inch?. #n 'etric units the peak to peak
vibration displacement is usually e$pressed in microns where 1 micron e)uals one-
millionth of a meter >=.=====1 meter? or one-thousandth of a millimeter >=.==1
millimeter?.
VIBRATION VELOCITY
-ince the vibrating weight Fig. 13-2-1 is moving it must be moving at some speed.
,owever the speed of the weight is constantly changing. +t the top limit of the
motion the speed is @ero since the weight must come to a stop before it can go in
the opposite direction. The speed or velocity is greatest as the weight passes
through the neutral position. The velocity of the motion is definitely a characteristic
of the vibration but since it is constantly changing throughout the cycle the highest
or :peak; velocity is selected for measurement. Vibration velocity is normally
e$pressed in terms of inches per second peak. #n 'etric units vibration velocity is
e$pressed in millimeters per second peak.
VIBRATION ACCELERATION
5iscussing vibration velocity we pointed out that the velocity of the part approaches
@ero at the e$treme limits of travel. 0f course each time the part comes to a stop at
the limit of travel it must :accelerate; to pick up speed as it travels toward the other
e$treme limit of travel. Vibration acceleration is another important characteristic of
vibration. Technically acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
1eferring to the motion plot 13-2-3 the acceleration of the part is ma$imum >A? at
the e$treme limit of travel where the velocity is @ero point :+;. +s the velocity of the
part increases the acceleration decreases. +t point :"; the neutral position the
velocity is ma$imum and the acceleration is @ero. +s the part passes through the
neutral point it must now :decelerate; as it approaches the other e$treme limit of
travel. +t point :/; acceleration is at peak >-?.
Vibration acceleration is normally e$pressed in :g8s; peak where one :g; is the
acceleration produced by the force of gravity at the surface of the earth. "y
international agreement the value of BC=.<<D cmEsecEsec F 3C<.=CG inchesEsecEsec
F 32.1G3B feetEsecEsec has been chosen as the standard acceleration due to
gravity.
3HASE
+nother important characteristic of vibration is :phase;. .hase is defined as :H..the
position of vibration part at a given instant with reference to a fi$ed point or another
vibrating part.;
#n a practical sense phase measurements offer a convenient way to compare one
vibration motion with anotherI or to determine how one part is vibrating relative to
another part. For e$ample the two weights in Fig. 13-2-J are vibrating at the same
fre)uency and displacementI however weight :+; is at the upper limit of travel at the
same instant weight :"; is at the lower limit.
%e can use phase to e$press this comparison. "y plotting one complete cycle of
motion of these two weights starting at the same given instant we see that the
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* J V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
points of peak displacement are separated by 1C=K >one complete cycle F 3<=K?.
Therefore we would say that these two weights are vibration 1C=K out of phase.
#n Fig. 13-2-D weight :$; is at the upper limit at the same instant weight :6; is at the
neutral position moving towards the lower limit. These two weights are vibration B=K
out of phase. #n Fig. 13-2-< weights :/; and :5; are :in-step;. These weights are
vibration in-phase.
.hase readings are normally e$pressed in degrees >=K to 3<=K? where one complete
cycle of vibration e)uals 3<=K.
.!&) */-2-4) ,e!&hts V!#rt!on *5+6 o%t of 0hse)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* D
.!&) */-2-7) ,e!&hts 1!#rt!on 8+6 o%t of 0hse)
SI9NI.ICANCE O. VIBRATION CHARACTERISTICS
The real significance of the characteristics of vibration lies in the fact that they are
used to detect and describe the unwanted motion of a machine. *ach of the motion
of a machine. *ach of the characteristics of vibration tells us something significant
about the vibration. Therefore the characteristics might be considered to be
symptoms used to diagnose inefficient operation r impending trouble in a machine.
IM3ORTANCE O. VIBRATION .RE2UENCY
%hen analy@ing a machine8s vibration to pinpoint a particular problem it is essential
to know the vibration fre)uency. Lnowing the fre)uency allows us to identify which
part is at fault and what the problem is.
The forces which cause vibration are generated through the rotating motion of the
machine8s parts. Therefore these forces change in amount and direction as the
rotating part changes its position with respect to the rest of the machine. +s a
result the vibration produced will have a fre)uency dependent upon the rotating
speed of the part which has the trouble. Thus by knowing the fre)uency of the
vibration we can identify which part is at fault.
#t is also important to recogni@e that different machinery troubles cause different
fre)uencies of vibration. This makes it possible for us to identify the nature of the
problem. For e$ample unbalance of a rotating part will produce a fre)uency of
vibration e)ual to the rotating speed >1 M 1.'? of the part. 0n the other hand
mechanical looseness produces a vibration at a fre)uency e)ual to twice the
rotating speed >2 $ 1.'?. +nti-friction bearings which have flaws on the raceways
balls or rolls will cause a very high fre)uency of vibration usually at several times
the 1.' of the shaft.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* < V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
#llustrated Fig. 13-2-G is a defective antifriction bearing detected by the presence of
a high fre)uency vibration. #ts only flaw appears on the one ball. Faulty gears
also will produce high fre)uency vibrationsI usually at a fre)uency e)ual to the
number of gear teeth times gear 1.'.
.!&) */-2-:) ,e!&hts 1!#rt!n& !n 0hse)
.!&) */-2-;) The defe't!1e #ll !n th!s #er!n& '%sed h!&h fre<%en'( 1!#rt!on)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* G
'ore detailed information on the techni)ues for measuring vibration fre)uency and
identifying the various machinery problems is presented in /hapters ### and #V.
IM3ORTANCE O. DIS3LACEMENT= VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION
The displacement velocity and acceleration characteristics of vibration are
measured to determine the amount or severity of the vibration. The displacement
velocity or acceleration of a vibration is often referre3d to as the :amplitude; of the
vibration.
#n terms of the operation of a machine the vibration amplitude is the indicator used
to determine how bad or good the operation of the machine may be. The greater
the amplitude the more severe the vibration.
DIS3LACEMENT= VELOCITY OR ACCELERATION > ,HICH SHOULD ,E USE
-ince the amplitude of vibration can be measured in terms of displacement velocity
or acceleration the obvious )uestion isI :which parameter should we use9;
+ctually the displacement velocity and acceleration of a vibration are directly
related. For e$ample f the peak to peak displacement and fre)uency of a vibration
are known the peak velocity of the vibration can be found as follows&
3 -
10 x
1000
F
D 52.3

=
peak
V
%here & V
peak
F Vibration velocity in inches per second peak.
5 F .eak to peak displacement in mils >1 mil ( =.==1;?
F F Fre)uency in cycles per minute >/.'?
20T*&
The find velocity in millimeters per second >metric units? 5 F peak to peak
displacement in microns.
Further the vibration acceleration >g8s peak? can be found as follows&
3 -
10 x
1000
F
D 14.1

=
peak
g
%here &
g F +cceleration due to gravity
5 F .eak to peak displacement in mils >1 mil F =.==1;?
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* C V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
20T*&
For finding the vibration acceleration where displacement is measured in microns
the following formula is used&
4 -
2
10 x
1000
F
D 5.6

=
peak
g
The calculations referred to above for finding velocity and acceleration are not
re)uired for most vibration workI however they are presented here simply to
illustrate the important relationship between the amplitude parameters (
displacement velocity and acceleration.
Vibration amplitude readings taken for checking overall machinery condition indicate
the severity of the vibration. "ut which is the best indicator of vibration severity&
displacement velocity or acceleration9 To answer this )uestion consider what
happens when a wire or piece of sheet metal is bent repeatedly back and forth.
*ventually this repeated bending causes the metal to fail by fatigue in the area of
the bend. This is similar in many respects to the way a machine or machine
compoBnent fails from the repeated cycles of fle$ing caused by e$cessive vibration.
0f course the amount of time re)uired to fail the wire or sheet metal can be
reduced by &
1. #ncreasing the amount of the bend >displacement?. The farther the metal is
bent each time the more likely it is to fail.
2. "y increasing the rate of bending >fre)uency?. 0bviously the more times per
minute the metal is fle$ed the )uicker it will fail.
Thus the severity of this bending action is a function of both how far the metal is
bend >displacement? and how fast the metal is bent >fre)uency?. Vibration severity
then appears to be a function of displacement and fre)uency. ,owever since
vibration velocity is also a function of displacement and fre)uency it is reasonable to
conclude that a measure of vibration velocity is a direct measure of vibration
severity. Through e$perience we have found this to be basically true. Vibration
velocity provides the best overall indicator of machinery condition.
5isplacement and acceleration readings are sometimes used to measure vibration
severity. ,owever when displacement or acceleration is used it is also necessary
to know the fre)uency of the vibration. /harts like those shown in Fig. 13-2-C 7 13-
2-B are often used to cross-reference the displacement or acceleration with
fre)uency to determine the level of severity. 2ote from Fig. 13-2-C that a
displacement of 1.= mil occurring at a fre)uency of 12== /.' >/ycles per minute? is
in the :3005; rangeI however the same displacement of 1.= mil at a fre)uency of
2==== /.' is in the :V*16 10!3,; range. 2ote also that the diagonal lines
dividing the @ones of severity are constant velocity lines. #n other words a velocity
of =.D inches per second peak is in the :10!3,; range regardless of the fre)uency
of the vibration. 1eferring to the chart Fig. 13-2-B you will note that an
acceleration of 1.= g at a fre)uency of 1===== /.' is in the :3005; region of the
chartI however 1.= g at a fre)uency of 1C=== /.' is in the :-4#3,T46 10!3,;
region.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* B
.!&) */-2-5) Th!s 'hrt 'n #e %sed to 'ross-referen'e d!s0l'e$ent "!th
fre<%en'( to deter$!ne 1!#rt!on se1er!t()
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 1= V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-8) Th!s 'hrt 'n #e %sed to 'ross-referen'e ''elert!on "!th
fre<%en'( to f!nd the ?one of se1er!t()
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 11
SEVERITY O. COM3LE@ MACHINERY VIBRATION
!nfortunately the vibration of machine is not usually simpleI that is occurring at Nust
one fre)uency like the weight on the end of a spring. 'ost machinery vibration is
comple$ consisting of many fre)uencies. -ee Fig. 13-2-1=. #n general the overall
or total peak-to-peak displacement of the machine will be the sum of all the
individual vibrations.
For e$ample&
#f the machine in Fig. 13-2-1= has 1 mil vibration occurring at 1 $ 1.' due to
unbalance.
1 mil at 2 $ 1.' because of looseness.
1 mil at a high gear fre)uency and 1 mil at a high anti-friction bearing fre)uency.
The total peak to peak displacement will probably be around J mils.
"ut we cannot apply this reading of J mils to the -everity /hart Fig. 13-2-C
because that displacement is not occurring at Nust one fre)uency. %here the
vibration is comple$ like this to apply displacement to the -everity /hart it would be
necessary to first determine the individual displacements and their fre)uencies.
This is done using a vibration analy@er with a tunable filter. The analy@er8s tunable
filter works in much the same way as the tuner on a radio in that is allows us to look
at one fre)uency of vibration >radio station? while reNecting all the others.
,owever even if we can measure the individual displacements and their
corresponding fre)uencies it should be obvious that in many cases a single filtered
reading alone may not indicate the overall severity of the vibration. #n reality only
an unfiltered overall amplitude measurement will reveal the total condition of a
machine. +nd since velocity combines the functions of displacement and
fre)uency only an unfiltered velocity measurement will provide a general indication
of overall vibration severity.
A S3ECIAL 3LACE .OR DIS3LACEMENT MEASUREMENT
+lthough displacement readings are not widely recommended for determining
overall machinery condition there are times when amplitude readings should be
taken in displacement. For e$ample under conditions of dynamic stress
displacement may be a better indicator of severity. *arlier we discussed the effects
of repeated bending related to the failure of a piece of wire or sheet metal but the
wire and sheet metal did property of most rigid machinery components and that
property is brittleness. "rittleness is simply the tendency of a material to break of
:snap; when stressed beyond a given limit.
To illustrate the important relationship between displacement and stress consider a
very large slow rotating machine such as a heavy mine hoist rotating at D= 1.'.
+ssume for a moment that this hoist is vibration 1== mils peak-to-peak displacement
at a fre)uency of D= /.' >1 $ 1.'? due to unbalance. #n terms of vibration
velocity 1== mils occurring at D= /.' is e)ual to a vibration velocity of only =.2<
inches per second peak. 1eferring to the -everity /hart.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 12 V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
Fig. 13-2-C =.2< inches per second appears in only the :-4#3,T46 10!3,; region
which may give little cause for immediate concern. ,owever keep in mind that the
bearing of this machine is being deflected 1== mils or one-tenth of an inch. !nder
these conditions failure may occur due to stress >displacement? rather than fatigue
>velocity?. #n other words the machine8s structure or bearing pedestal may crack or
break simply because it is being bent too far rather than failing from the repeated
cycles of fle$ing.
"ecause of the importance of displacement measurements at very low fre)uencies
where stress is of maNor importance it is suggested that displacement readings be
taken on those machines which may be subNect to low fre)uency vibration. + :low;
fre)uency vibration is generally regarded as one below <== /.'. 0f course an
overall velocity measurement should also be taken to determine overall machinery
condition at the higher vibration fre)uencies ( above <== /.'.
A S3ECIAL 3LACE .OR ACCELRATION MEASUREMENT
Vibration acceleration measurementsHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.satisfactory
forces being applied to the machine and relatively large forces can occur at high
fre)uencies even though the displacement and velocity of the vibration may be
small. This is clearly indicated by noting that acceleration is a function of the
displacement and fre)uency s)uared.
For e$ample consider a machine with a measured vibration of 1.= mil peak-to-peak
displacement at a fre)uency of <=== /.'. This corresponds to a velocity reading
of =.3 inches per second peak which may be considered :-4#3,T46 10!3,; for
general machinery. Fig. 13-2-C. This also corresponds to a vibration acceleration of
=.D g. 2e$t consider a vibration =.====1 mil peak-to-peak displacement occurring
at a fre)uency of <===== /.'. +lthough this vibration also corresponds to a
velocity reading of =.3 inches per second peak it also represents a vibration
acceleration of D= g8s which according to the chart in Fig. 13-2-B is :V*16
10!3,;. For the vibration occurring at a fre)uency of <=== /.' failure would
most likely result from fatigue >velocity?I however at the higher fre)uency of
<===== /.' failure would most likely result from the e$cess forces >acceleration?
being applied. *$cessive force may result in breakdown of the lubrication and
ultimate surface failure of bearings.
3enerally vibration acceleration measurements are recommended for vibration
fre)uencies above <==== /.' although e$perience has shown that velocity
measurements can also be used.
IM3ORTANCE O. 3HASE
.hase defined earlier provides a convenient way to compare one motion with
another. /omparing the relative motion of two or more parts of a machine or
diagnosing specific machinery defects. For e$ample if analysis reveals that the
vibration of a machine is :out-of-phase; with base or foundation vibration we may
want to look for loose mounting bolts improper grouting or other signs of looseness
between the machine and its base.
.hase measurements are also important for balancing. %hen the machinery
problem is unbalance being able to measure phase allows us to balance the part
)uickly and easily without trial and error techni)ues. !sually parts can be balanced
in-place eliminating the need for costly disassembly.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 13
HO, MUCH VIBRATION IS TOO MUCH
-ince vibration amplitude >displacement velocity or acceleration? is a measure of
the severity of the trouble in a machine your ne$t )uestion may beI :how much
vibration is too much9; To answer this )uestion it is important to keep in mind that
our obNective should be to use vibration checks to detect trouble in its early stages
for scheduled correction. The goal is not to find out how much vibration a machine
will stand before failure but to get a fair warning of impending trouble so it can be
eliminated before failure.
+bsolute vibration tolerances or limits for any given machine are not possible. That
is it is impossible to select a vibration limit which if e$ceeded will result in
immediate machinery failure. The development of mechanical failure is Nust far too
comple$ for such limits to e$ist. ,owever it would be impossible to effectively utili@e
vibration as an indicator of machinery condition unless some )uestionnaires are
available and the years of e$perience of those familiar with machinery and
machinery vibration has provided some realistic guidelines.
T#le */-2-*) V!#rt!on Velo'!t( AIn'hesBSe'ond 3eCD
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 1J V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-*+) Most $'h!ner( 1!#rt!on !s 'o$0leE= 'ons!st!n& of $n(
fre<%en'!es)
6ou will recall that vibration velocity provides a direct measure of machinery
condition for the intermediate vibration fre)uencies <== to <==== /.'. The
velocity values in Table 13-2-1 are offered as a guide for overall >unfiltered? velocity
readings. %hen vibration amplitude is measured in displacement or acceleration
the charts in Figs. 13-2-C 7 13-2-B apply to machinery such as motors fans
blowers pumps and general rotating machinery where vibration does not directly
influence the )uality of a finished product. +mplitude readings should be those
taken on the bearings or structure of the machine.
0f course the vibration tolerances suggested in these references will not be
applicable to all machines. For e$ample so machines such as hammer mills or rock
and coal crushers will inherently have high levels of vibration. Therefore the values
selected using these guides should be used only so long as e$perience
maintenance records and history proves them to be valid.
For machines such as grinders and other precision machine tools where vibration
can affect the )uality of a finished product the :3uide To Vibration Tolerance For
'achine tools; Fig. 13-2-11 may be used. +pplying vibration tolerances to
machine tools is rather easy because they can be based on the machine8s ability to
produce a certain si@e or finish tolerance. The values shown in Fig. 13-2-11 are the
result of years of e$perience with vibration analysis of machine tools and represent
the vibration levels for which satisfactory parts have been produced. 0f course
these values may vary depending on specific si@e and finish tolerances re)uired. +
comparison of the normal pattern of vibration on the machine and the )uality of
finish and si@e control re)uired will reveal what level of vibration is acceptable.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 1D
The first time the )uality of finish or si@e control deteriorates an unacceptable
vibration level would be indicated. The initial values selected from Fig. 13-2-11 can
then be modified to the new more realistic ones.
'aking the decision to correct a condition of vibration is often a very difficult one
indeed especially when it involves downtime of critical machinery. Therefore when
establishing acceptable levels of machinery vibration e$perience and factors such
as safety labor costs downtime costs and the importance of a machine8s operation
to your company8s profits must be considered.
.!&) */-2-**) Tentt!1e &%!de to 1!#rt!on tolern'es for $'h!ne tools)
,HAT IS NOISE-
.sychologically noise can be defined as simply :unwanted sound;. This includes
anything from the drip of a faucet in the middle of the night to the mighty roar of a
rocket as it leaves the launch pad. #t can even include music if it disturbs the
listener. To be considered :noise; all that is re)uired is that it be sound that is
undesirable to the listener.
Technically sound >or noise? is a pressure oscillation in the air which radiates away
from the source. To visuali@e the generation of sound is slow motion consider that
happens to the air surrounding our familiar vibration weight Fig. 13-2-12. +s the
weight moves downward the air molecules ahead of the weight are being pushed
together or compressed. The air molecules adNacent to the weight push against air
molecules and so on in succession.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 1< V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
#n this manner the :@one of compression; radiates away from the source in much
the same way that motion is transmitted when we line up a row of dominos and then
strike the first one. -ee 13-2-12. *ach succeeding domino >or air molecule?
transmits the motion down the line. +lthough the individual air molecules move only
very slightly this motion can be transmitted over great distances.
+t the same time the weight Fig. 13-2-11 moves downward compressing the air
ahead of it avoid or partial vacuum is being created behind the weight. This region
of partial vacuum is referred to as the @one of :rarefaction;. This region of
rarefaction radiates away from the source by successively drawing in air molecules
from the adNacent area in attempt to e)uali@e the void created.
Thus the simple downward motion of the weight created a @one of compression
and a @one of rarefaction radiating away from the source. +s the weight moves
upward a @one of compression is created above the weight while a @one of
rarefaction is created below the weight. /ontinued vibration of the weight will
produce corresponding @ones of compression and rarefaction as illustrated in Fig.
13-2-13.
.!&) */-2-*2) Do"n"rd $ot!on of the "e!&ht 'retes ?one of 'o$0ress!on
hed of the "e!&ht)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 1G
.!&) */-2-*/) A ro" of do$!nos !ll%strtes ho" so%nd !s trns$!tted) E'h
fll!n& do$!no Aos'!llt!n& !r $ole'%le trns$!ts the $ot!on do"n the l!ne)D
,HAT CAUSES NOISE-
2oise or sound waves can be generated in three ways. The most common of these
is the vibration of solid structures such as machines or wall panels which alternately
compress and rarefy the air in contact with these structures. Fig. 13-2-1J.
Therefore the same causes of machinery vibration >listed in this /hapter under
:%hat causes Vibration9? are also source of noise.
2oise can also be generated by the movement of air over solid structures. + typical
e$ample is shown in Fig. 13-2-1D. *ven though the structure itself does not
vibrates the moving air can still create loud sounds. + well known e$ample of this
noise generator is the pipe organ. The flow of air over fan blades or through
ventilation grills are other e$amples.
The third mechanism of noise generation comes from the turbulent moving of fast
moving air with relatively slow moving air in which no solid structures are involved.
+n e$ample of this which is commonly heard is the noise from a Net engine Fig. H.
This type of noise only becomes important when the air >or other gas? is moving at
very high velocity.
+ll three of these sound generating mechanisms are commonly found in many types
of industrial machineryI and by recogni@ing them it is often possible to reduce them
to acceptable levels.
THE CHARACTERISTICS O. NOISE
4ike vibration noise has a number of characteristics which are needed to define or
describe it. "y e$amining the pressure oscillations created by our vibration weight
in Fig. 13-2-13 we can better understand some of the characteristics of noise.
3RO39ATION VELOCITY
#t was mentioned earlier that the @ones of compression and rarefaction radiate
outward or away from the noise source. The speed or velocity that sound waves
radiate is called the propagation velocity O or simply the speed of sound. The
speed of sound in air at standard temperature and pressure is a constant of
appro$imately 113= feet per second >3J< meters per second?.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 1C V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
5o not confuse the velocity of sound with the velocity of vibration. Vibration velocity
is a measure of the amplitude of vibration whereas the velocity of sound is a
constant which is essentially independent of sound amplitude.
.RE2UENCY
+nother characteristic of sound is fre)uency >f?. #t can be loosely defined as the
number of sound waves or regions of compression which move past a fi$ed point
during a specified period of time such as a minute or second. For e$ample if 1==
regions of compressed air molecules move past a fi$ed point >such as a
microphone? in one minute we will be observing a sound with a fre)uency of 1==
cycles per minute.
-ound fre)uency measurements taken for the purpose of relating sound to human
hearing are generally e$pressed in cycles per second >/.-?. ,owever within the
last several years to achieve standardi@ation on an international basis it has been
agree to use the term :,ert@; >abbreviated ,@? in honor of the 3erman physicist
rather than cycles per second.
-ound fre)uencies measured for relating to machinery problems are normally
e$pressed in cycles per minute >/.'? for direct correlation with rotating speeds
and multiples of rotating speeds which are e$pressed in 1.'. -ound fre)uencies
which are e$pressed in cycles per minute can be easily converted to ,@ >cycles per
second? by simply dividing /.' by <= >,@ F /.'E<=?.
%ith regard to human hearing sound fre)uencies are generally broken down into
three categories&
1. #nfrasonic ( sounds which are at fre)uencies below the range of human
hearing >i.e. less than 1D ,@?
2. +udio--onic ( sounds which are at fre)uencies within the range of human
hearing >i.e. 1D ,@ to 2==== ,@? and
3. !ltrasonic ( sounds which are at fre)uencies above the range of human
hearing >i.e. greater than 2==== ,@?.
%ith industrial noise we are almost always concerned only with audio-sonic noise
because this is the noise that has the greatest effect on personnel.
To get a better feel for the various noise fre)uencies refer to the piano keyboard
Fig. 13-2-HH2ote that the lowest fre)uency note on the piano is at appro$imately
2G ,@ and the highest fre)uency note J1C< ,@.
,AVELEN9TH
1eferring again to fig. 13-2-1J you will note that the @ones of compression have a
definite spacing. This distance between regions of compression is called
wavelength. The 3reek symbol 4ambda >? is generally used to represent
wavelength.
There is a uni)ue relationship which e$ists between the fre)uency >f? propagation
velocity O and wavelength >? characteristics of sound.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 1B
This relationship can be e$pressed by the simple e)uation&

c
= f
This e$pression says that sound fre)uency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
0r very high fre)uencies sounds have short wave length whereas low fre)uency
sounds have relatively long wavelengths.
.!&) */-2-*4) Cont!n%ed os'!llt!on of the "e!&ht &enertes 'orres0ond!n&
?ones of 'o$0ress!on nd rref't!on rd!t!n& "( fro$ the so%r'e)
.!&) */-2-*7) The 1!#rt!on of sol!d str%'t%res !s the $ost 'o$$on so%r'e of
so%nd)
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 2= V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-*:) So%nd $( #e &enerted #( the $o1e$ent of !r o1er sol!d
str%'t%re)
.!&) */-2-*;) The t%r#%lent $!E!n& of fst $o1!n& !r "!th slo" $o1!n& !r !s
nother so%r'e of so%nd)
.!&) */-2-*5) The lo"est fre<%en'( note on the 0!no !s 00roE!$tel( 2; H?F
the h!&hest fre<%en'( note !s 4*5: H?)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 21
IM3ORTANCE O. NOISE .RE2UENCY AND ,AVELEN9TH
Lnowing the fre)uency of noise >and indirectly the wavelength? is important for a
number of reasons. First noise fre)uency is the key to identifying a noise source
Nust like vibration fre)uency helps us identify the vibration problem in a machine.
The most common source of noise is the vibration of solid structures such as
machines or wall panels. The rate or fre)uency at which these structures vibrate
determines the fre)uency of the noise which is radiated. Thus a 1== ,@ ><===
/.'? sound wave.
-econdly the disturbing fre)uencies of noise being generated also determine in
many cases which method or methods must be used to control the noise. For
e$ample although noise may be generated by machinery vibration it may be that
the level of vibration is relatively low indicating that no significant mechanical
problems e$ist. #n such a case the noise being generated may be classified as
inherent to machinery operation. #f this is the case other control measures may be
re)uired to reduce the noise level. These other measures may include noise
barriers or acoustic enclosures which restrict or actually absorb the sound. The
types and configuration of materials used will be determined to some e$tent by the
noise fre)uencies >wavelengths? to be controlled.
Finally wavelength is an important factor to consider when positioning the
microphone for measurement. This consideration is discussed in more detail in this
/hapter under -ound Fields and again in /hapter ### under .ositioning the
'icrophone.
NOISE AM3LITUDE
-ound was defined earlier as a pressure oscillation in the air. +ctually we live in a
sea of air where the pressure all around us due to the atmosphere is appro$imately
1J.G pounds per s)uare inch >1=3= grams per s)uare centimeter?. + measure of
noise amplitude then is a measure of how far the air pressure >compression= and
then sinks below atmospheric pressure >rarefaction?. The ma$imum amount by
which the pressure differs from atmospheric pressure is called the pressure
amplitude of sound.
-ound pressure amplitudes are usually e$pressed in :microbars; where one
microbar e)uals one millionth of a barI and one bar represents one atmosphere. #n
some instances sound pressure is e$pressed in dynes per s)uare centimeter where
one dyne per s)uare centimeter e)uals one microbar.
/ompared to atmospheric pressure the sound pressure amplitudes which we hear
are rather small. For e$ample the faintest sound we can hear is appro$imately
=.===2 microbars >=.==2 dynes per s)uare centimeter? or two ten-thousandths of a
millionth of one atmosphere.
This sound pressure is referred to as the acute threshold of hearing. 0n the other
hand the loudest sounds that the human ear can tolerate are appro$imately 2===
microbars. This is called the threshold of pain.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 22 V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
THE DECIBEL AdBD
+s you can see the ear responds to a rather tremendous dynamic range of sound
pressure amplitudes ( from =.===2 to 2=== microbars or a ratio of 1= million to one.
To measure sound amplitude using this e$tremely long linear range would be very
inconvenient. Therefore to simplify our measurements a logarithmic decibel scale
is used instead.
"y international agreement sound pressure level >-.4? in decibels is defined as
follows&
essure f Std
dB
Pr . Re .
Pressure Sound
log 20
10
=
%here the standard reference pressure is the acute threshold of hearing of =.===2
microbars >or =.===32 dynesEcmP?I and the measured sound pressure is the sound
amplitude of interest. %ith this e)uation it is possible to calculate -.4 if the
measured sound pressure in microbars or dynesEcmP is known or we can calculate
the sound pressure in microbars or dynesEcmP if the -.4 is known. ,owever such
e$ercises are not normally necessary since noise measurement and engineering
evaluations are almost always done in terms of decibels.
From the e)uation above the acute threshold of hearing becomes = d" and the
threshold of pain 1J= d". %ithout a doubt a scale from = to 1J= is much more
convenient to understand and work with than a scale from =.===2 to 2===. #n
addition the logarithmic d" scale better represents the response of the human ear
to changes in sound amplitude. For e$ample it is unlikely that we would be able to
detect a change in sound amplitude from say 1=== microbars to 1=1= microbars.
,owever under controlled conditions we probably could detect a 1 d" change. The
ear generally considers a 3 d" increase as a :noticeable; difference in loudnessI <
d" a significant increaseI 1= d" is twice as loudI and 2= d" is very much louder.
5ecibels are as easy to measure and use as mils inches microns or millimeters
once you get a feel for them. To assist you in becoming familiar with the decibel
>d"? unit of sound amplitude the charts in Fig. 13-2-1B and 13-2-2= provide
e$amples of noise levels typical of common-place noise sources. Fig. 13-2-1B
shows representative decibel levels encountered by people during the course of a
day from common noise sources other than industrial. Fig. 13-2-2= provides
e$amples of noise levels from industrial sources.
0f course the values shown in Figs. 13-2-1B 7 13-2-2= are only presented as
typical noise levels. *ach of these sources can vary over a wide range depending
upon a number of factors. For instance a large diesel truck may have a typical
level of B= d" when measured at a distance of 2= feet when traveling D= miles per
hour on a flat straight road. #f the truck is going up hill however the additional
power for the engine may cause the noise to increase to BD d". #f in addition the
engine muffler is defective the noise may increase to 1== d".
+ssuming that the truck noise is made in an open area with no nearby buildings or
large structures to reflect the sound and the position of the microphone is J= feet
rather than 2= feet from the truck the measured level will be about < d" lower. That
is it will be CJ d" instead of B= d".
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 23
This reduction is caused by the fact that sound waves tend to spread out uniformly
in all directions >unless a large surface such as a high wall causes the sound to be
reflected? and their amplitude decreases as they get further from the source. !nder
these conditions the sound pressure level will decrease < d" each time the
distance from the source is doubled. Thus the truck noise measured as B= d" at
2= feet will have the following appro$imate levels at other distances&
J= feet CJ d"
C= feet GC d"
1<= feet G2 d"
32= feet << d"
#f the sound measurement is made very close to the source >i.e. at distances closer
than the width or height of the source and particularly when closer than 3 feet?
large variations in the measured sound pressure level are likely to be noted with
small changes in microphone position. #n such cases the < d" reduction will not
apply. This is caused by interfering sound waves coming from different parts of the
machine. This characteristic of sound is discussed in greater detail in the following
paragraphs on -0!25 F#*45-.
.!&) */-2-*8) Co$$on non-!nd%str!l no!se le1els)
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 2J V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-2+) T(0!'l no!se le1els fo%nd !n !nd%str()
SOUND .IELDS
"efore taking noise measurements it is important to reali@e that there are three
types of sound :fields;. These fields have a maNor effect on the sound pressure
levels measuredI therefore understanding what these fields are will greatly simplify
data measurement and interpretation.
+ simple sound source such as a vibrating sphere which e$pands and contracts
uniformly sends out sound waves which radiate in all directions in much the same
way water waves radiate when a stone is thrown into a )uiet pool of water. -ee Fig.
13-2-21.
%hen the source of sound becomes more comple$ >for e$ample& two vibrating
spheres? the sound waves themselves become more comple$. +s shown in fig. 13-
2-22 they begin to form interference patternsI particularly at points close to the
source. +t these interference points the measured sound pressure levels can be
much greater or much less than at points away from them.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 2D
This region around the sources where the interference patterns are most
pronounced is called 2*+1 F#*45 and can e$tend out to a distance of J times the
largest dimension of the vibrating source. ,owever in many cases these effects
become insignificant at distances considerably closer to the source.
+nother characteristic of a 2*+1 F#*45 is the movement of part of the sound
energy laterally along the vibrating surface as well as radially away from it. This is
illustrated in Fig. 13-2-23. The part of the energy which moves laterally does not
radiate away but merely sloshes back and forth along the surface. This effect may
e$tend outward from the source a distance of about one acoustic wavelength >?.
"eyond the near field is a second region called the F+1 F#*45. #n this region the
sound waves are reasonably free of interference and reactive sound energy. Thus
the measured sound pressure levels will not vary considerably with small changes in
microphone position but will decline steadily as the microphone is moved further
away from the source.
#f the sound waves encounter a hard surface which causes them to reflect a third
field called a 1*V*1"*1+2T F#*45 is created. This reverberant field is most
pronounced in the region close to the reflecting surface and generates interference
patterns similar to the near field. -ee Fig. 13-2-2J.
#t is desirable >when possible? to take noise measurements in the F+1 F#*45. #n
the far field the measurements will be more consistent and positioning the
microphone will be less critical. #t is important that microphone position not be
critical when repetitive measurements are to be made as part of a machinery noise
survey program.
The dimensions of the regions in which these three different fields e$ist are of
course dependent on the si@e and configuration of the sound source the location
of reflecting surfaces and the fre)uencies of noise which the source generates. +s
a rule of thumb the higher the fre)uency of noise the smaller the near field region
will be. #n addition the closer the reflecting surface is to the sound source and the
larger its si@e the greater is the reverberant field.
"ecause of all these variables involved it is not possible to give specific dimensions
which can be measured off to determine the location of each field. #t is possible
however to obtain a general feel for these fields e$perimentally. These
e$perimental techni)ues are discussed in /hapter ### of this te$t under .ositioning
The 'icrophone.
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 2< V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-2*) A stone thro"n !nto <%!et 0ond !ll%strtes the 0ro0&t!on of
so%nd)
.!&) */-2-22) A NEAR .IELD so%nd re&!on $( #e 'o$0leE 0tterns res%lt!n&
"!th !nterferen'e fro$ $%lt!0le so%nd so%r'es)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 2G
.!&) */-2-2/) In the NEAR .IELD= so$e of the so%nd ener&( $( $o1e lterll(
#'C nd forth lon& the 1!#rt!on s%rf'e)
.!&) */-2-24) Three t(0es of 'o%st!' f!elds)
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 2C V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
DIRECTIONAL NOISE SOURCES
There is one additional characteristic of noise fields worth mentioning because
knowledge of it can aid in noise measurement and data interpretation. This is
sound field directionality. %hat this means is that not all noise sources radiate the
same level of noise in all directions. #f they radiate more noise in one direction than
another they are said to be directional noise sources. +s a matter of fact most
machines are directional noise sources. Fig. 13-2-2D illustrates this concept. From
a measurement standpoint this indicates that more than one measurement is
needed in order to obtain an idea of the sound being radiated by the machine.
-uggested noise measurement procedures are covered in /hapter ###.
.!&) */-2-27) A d!re't!onl no!se so%r'e= s%'h s n %to$o#!le= rd!tes $ore
no!se !n one d!re't!on thn nother)
,EI9HTIN9 NET,ORGS
0ne other important concept which deserves comment is the human response to
noise. 'any times noise measurements are taken to determine the effect on
human hearing. ,owever it is important to recogni@e that the normal human ear
does not hear all sounds e)ually well. The human perception of sound is
dependent on the amplitude and fre)uency of the noise.
#n general we hear sound best at appro$imately J=== ,@ but rather poorly at very
low and very high fre)uencies. This is illustrated 13-2-2< which displays the :*)ual
4oudness /ontours;. These contours simply illustrate the way the human ear
responds to various amplitudes and fre)uencies of sound. For e$ample a sound at
a fre)uency of J= ,@ would have to be <= d" to be e)ually loud as a 2= d" sound
at 1=== ,@. 2ote that as noise amplitude increases to higher levels the ear beings
to hear all fre)uencies of sound about e)ually well.
-ince sound is often measured in conNunction with a problem related to human
hearing it has been found desirable in many cases to use instrumentation which
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 2B
measures sound in a manner similar to the human ear. ,owever as shown in the
*)ual 4oudness /ontours the human ear does not hear e)ually well at all
fre)uencies and amplitudes.
-ound measuring instruments appro$imate the response of the human ear by
means of electronic weighting networks which serve to shape the instrument8s
response in a manner similar to that of the human ear. The weighting networks
most commonly incorporated in noise measuring instruments are the :+; :"; and
:/; weighting networks.
The characteristic response of these three weighting networks can be noted from
Fig. 13-2-2G. The :+; weighting best appro$imates the human ear at low noise
levels >that is below DD d"?I the :"; weighting at medium noise levels >DD to CD d"?
and the :/; weighting above CD d".
3enerally noise level readings taken to establish compliance with noise control
legislation are taken using the :+; weighting network regardless of the sound level.
This has the advantage of simplifying measurements and it has also been found
that hearing damage correlates very well with :+; weighting measurements.
The :/; weighting is used where there is interest in relatively low fre)uency sound
and for noise analysis where a relatively flat response is desirable. The :";
weighting is not used to any great e$tent e$cept in speciali@ed studies related to
hearing.
.!&) */-2-2:) E<%!1lent so%nd le1el 'onto%rs !ll%strte the !nterrelt!onsh!0 of
so%nd le1el A$0l!t%deD nd fre<%en'( to the res0onse of the h%$n l!stener)
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 3= V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
.!&) */-2-2;) HAI HBI nd HCI "e!&ht!n& net"orCs re %sed !n so%nd
$es%re$ent !nstr%$ents "h!'h $es%re so%nd !n $nner s!$!lr to the
h%$n er)
HO, MUCH NOISE IS TOO MUCH-
Today there are many federal state provincial and local regulations in force to
protect workers from hearing loss resulting from prolonged e$posure to e$cessive
levels of noise. +nd until recently industry8s primary concern with noise has been
hearing conservation. ,owever there are other reasons to be concerned with
machinery noise. First it is well recogni@ed that certain work areas such as offices
conference rooms or libraries re)uire low levels of noise ( well below the noise
levels considered dangerous.
-econdly noise has become recogni@ed as another parameter of machinery
operation which can be measured to detect impending mechanical troubles in
machinery.
NOISE LEVELS ESTABLISHED BY LE9ISLATION
%here persons are e$posed to certain high noise levels for e$tended periods of
time it has been found that permanent hearing loss can occur. %ithin the past
several years sufficient knowledge has been accumulated to define acceptable
limits on noise levels fre)uencies and duration of e$posure with the intent of
protecting a maNority of persons from permanent hearing loss.
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 31
+ typical set of limits is shown in 13-2-2C. +ccording to this chart an employee is
permitted to work in a noise environment of B= d"+ up to C hours per day. %hen
the noise e$ceeds this level the duration of e$posure is reduced until at 11D d"+
only 1D minutes e$posure is permitted. %here an employee works in different noise
level areas at different times during a day the allowable duration must be calculated
as shown.
.!&) */-2-25) T(0!'l no!se eE0os%re l!$!ts)
'*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13 -.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1-
4*--02 2 .+3* 32 V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02
ACCE3TABLE NOISE LEVELS .OR DI..ERENT ,ORG AREAS
2umerous e$perimental studies have shown that workers efficiency can be affected
to varying degrees by noise. Tasks re)uiring a great deal of mental concentration
and e$actness are affected by noise to a significantly greater degree than others.
For instance even relatively moderate noises tend to dilate the pupils of the eyes
which results in a change in the eye8s focus. Thus a watchmaker and others who
do close work will e$perience difficulty in working where periodic loud noise is
present.
#n many cases the ability to verbally communicate is the governing criterion for
acceptable noise levels. ,ere again there is some variabilityI levels re)uired for a
conference room will differ from those re)uired in a machine shop or in the engine
room of ship.
%here high noise levels occur in areas where work is less e$acting and more
routine acceptable levels are governed by noise which can cause personnel fatigue
and inefficiency. Fig. 13-2-2B indicates some general guidelines on levels of
acceptability for noise in different areas and conditions.
.!&) */-2-28) 9enerl &%!del!nes for ''e0t#le no!se le1els)
-.*/#F#/ /0!1-* F01 *23#2**1- '*/,+2#/+4 '+#2T*2+2/* '05!4* 13
V#"1+T#02 +2+46-#- 7 /011*/T#02 4*--02 2 .+3* 33
NOISE LEVELS THAT SI9NAL MACHINERY TROUBLE
To date there are few references available that provide information on inherent or
:normal; noise levels for specific types of machines such as compressors fans
blowers diesel engines etc. +lthough there are many references available on
typical noise levels for various types of machines there are so many variables
involved that make the establishment of specific noise levels. + machine located in
a small steel building may have a much higher noise level than it would if located in
a large open area. -imilarly a machine locate din close pro$imity to other large
machines may have a higher level of noise. The reason of course is the fact that
steel walls large nearby machines and other reflective surfaces tend to create a
reverberant field which has an additive effect on the noise level.
#n addition the machinery foundation or supporting structure may influence the
measured noise levels. 'achines transmitting their vibration into surrounding
structures create higher noise levels because of the additional noise radiated by the
vibration of walls floor ceiling windows etc. +n identical machine mounted on
resilient isolators such as coil springs rubber cork etc. will most likely show a
lower level of noise due to the reduction of structure borne vibration.
+ change in operating condition will often produce a corresponding change in
machinery noise. For instance a fan operating at B== 1.' may have a noise level
completely different when operating at 12== 1.'. #n addition machinery noise
levels often change with a change in load.
The significant effects of reverberation structure borne vibration load and speed on
a machine8s measured noise level make the establishment of standard noise levels
for specific types of machinery practically impossible. For this reason noise level
measurements taken to detect impending mechanical problems must be based on
detecting an appreciable increase in the normal noise level established for each
individual machine. %ith this in mind it is important to point out that an appreciable
increase in noise may be an increase of only 23J or more d". 2oise levels in d"
do not add or accumulate the way vibration amplitudes do. For e$ample an
increase of only < d" is actually a doubling of the sound pressure. Therefore when
taking your periodic noise level measurements for preventive maintenance keep in
mind that an increase in the measured noise level from say CD d" to CB d" may be
a signal of developing mechanical trouble.
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