Frequently Asked Questions About Vibration

What does it mean to isolate vibration? Isolation refers to a reduction in transmitted vibratory forces.

How is isolation achieved? Isolation is achieved by placing an isolator (elastic element) between the unit vibrating and its support. This allows the inertia of the unit to oppose and thereby reduce the vibratory motion transmitted to the support.

What characteristics must an isolator have? An isolator must be (and remain) elastic for the life of the installation. It must have the capacity to support the static weight of the unit as well as the unbalanced dynamic force. It must have a natural frequency lower than the offending unit's disturbing frequency.

How do we determine the natural frequency of an isolator? The natural frequency of an isolator is determined by the following mathematical relationship: Natural Frequency = 3.13 KD W Where:
1/2

KD = Dynamic Spring Rate, lb/in W = Static Weight of the Isolated Unit, lb

Isolator manufacturers have this information readily available in their publications.

What natural frequency should an isolator have? It depends on the desired percent reduction in transmitted vibration, referred to as transmissibility, and is governed by the ratio of disturbing frequency to isolator natural frequency. The larger this ratio, the greater the reduction. Isolation begins at a ratio of 1.414.

Fabreeka International, Inc.

How does this frequency ratio produce isolation? The frequency ratio causes the isolated unit to be "out-of-phase" with the vibrating force, thereby opposing it by virtue of its inertia. The greater the ratio, the closer it gets to a 180 "out-of-phase" condition i.e. zero transmissibility. An example of this would be a diver jumping off a diving board. To gain height (amplitude), he times his leaps to be synchronized with the vibrating board (in resonance), so that he goes higher and higher on each successive leap. He is "in-tune" with the board. However, if he times his leaps to be "out-of-phase" with the natural vibrating frequency of the diving board, a smaller force is transmitted to the diving board support. An isolator is used to achieve this "out-of-phase" condition.

What are other ways to control or reduce vibration? 1. You can correct the cause of the problem, namely the unbalanced condition that exists, by dynamically balancing the machines rotating or reciprocating parts. However, this may not be practical to do or cannot be done. 2. The speed of the unit could be reduced to lower the disturbing force since the unbalanced centrifugal force is directly proportional to the square of the speed of the machine. Many times, this cannot be done because the machine must run at the higher speed. 3. If the option exists, you can select to use a rotary rather than a reciprocating unit, since a rotary unit generates less unbalanced force than a reciprocating unit. 4. A relocation of the offending machine may be a solution if the vibration is not harmful to the machine itself but is a problem in the surrounding area. 5. In the case of a sensitive piece of equipment being disturbed from an outside vibrating source, you can modify the response of the equipment through structural changes, e.g. add mass or increase stiffness or introduce damping into the system.

Does the use of an isolator change the disturbing frequency of the unit? No, it does not. It simply allows the inertia of the unit to oppose the dynamic unbalanced force or motion of the unit when the frequency ratio of the machine and "the-machine-onits-isolators" exceeds 1.414.

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What does the term natural frequency mean, especially when referring to the isolator? First of all when we talk about the isolator natural frequency, we are referring to the natural frequency of the "equipment-and-isolator-system" which consists of the weight of the equipment (W) and the isolator's spring rate (KD). Please refer to the previous formula for calculating the natural frequency. All physical systems have numerous natural frequencies which are determined by the systems' spring rate and weight. The natural frequency of a system is its response after being displaced from its equilibrium (static) position. It responds by vibrating freely until it dissipates all of the Kinetic Energy it received and stored (potential energy) due to its elastic nature. This free vibration is its natural response and consequently is referred to as its "natural frequency". It is this natural response that opposes the unbalanced dynamic force generated by the equipment. The larger the difference in the frequency ratio i.e. disturbing-to-isolator, the greater the reduction in force transmission to the machine support.

How does dissipation of energy by the responding system occur? Damping is a term used to describe the physical phenomenon of converting the energy of motion (Kinetic) to another form, namely heat. This is accomplished through frictional resistance. The isolator itself may exhibit damping in the form of internal friction or hysteresis. If the isolator material has very low inherent damping, then another physical element can be added to the isolator system to give the damping required.

What are the benefits of having damping in an isolation system? In a "free vibration" system, damping reduces the time required for the system to come to rest. i.e. cease vibrating. In a "forced vibration" system, damping reduces the maximum force developed and transmitted at resonance.

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What is resonance? Resonance is an exact frequency match between the disturbing frequency and the isolator natural frequency. They are "in-tune" with each other. This produces a perfect "in-phase" frequency relationship that causes maximum amplification of transmitted vibration. Obviously this condition must be avoided. However, it cannot be avoided entirely, since an isolated unit will pass through resonance as it "runs-up-to" and "coasts-down-from" its normal running speed. If the unit "runs-up-to" and "down-from" speed quickly, the machine's inertia acts to minimize amplification. However, if the unit passes slowly through resonance, damping must be provided.

Are there other points to consider to be assured of obtaining the isolation desired? There are other points to consider, such as: 1. The isolator support must be rigid compared to the isolator. A general rule of thumb is to have the support spring rate 10 times that of the isolator spring rate, which means that the isolator natural frequency is no more than one-third that of the lowest support frequency. 2. When isolating a unit with a high center of gravity, the isolators should be located on center lines that are at least twice the radius of gyration. This will assure good stability. 3. All line connections to the isolated unit should be isolated. If they are not, then flexible connections must be used. This will avoid "short-circuiting" of the isolation system. 4. If there is excessive movement of the equipment on its isolators, then an inertia mass must be incorporated. A reinforced concrete block is generally used, but steel could be used if space were a problem since it is heavier than concrete. This added weight is placed directly beneath the machine and supported by the isolators. It provides resistance to motion as well as the following additional benefits: Maintains alignment between driver and driven. Adds rigidity to the machine base. Lowers the "center-of-gravity". Increases centers between isolators for added stability.

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There are a variety of isolators available. How do I determine which is best for my use? It depends on circumstances particular to the installation. Air isolators yield the lowest natural frequency. Steel springs are next, followed by elastomer pads and isolators. There are other materials available such as felt, cork, fabric and wool, which are used when a stiffer isolator is required. In most cases, an isolator is selected on the basis of natural frequency requirements to give the isolation desired.

Information required before selecting an isolator: 1. Isolation desired - percent reduction 2. Lowest disturbing frequency 3. Maximum load per isolator, weight distribution, location of center of gravity 4. Area and location available for isolator 5. Height or elevation limitations 6. Stiffness of support 7. Flexibility of lines to isolated unit 8. Allowable motion 9. Clearance around isolated unit 10. Environmental conditions - such as temperature, acids, solvents, oils, radiation

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The following example will serve to illustrate and summarize the above.

Example
Problem An industrial fan is transmitting vibration into its elevated floor support, which is being felt by personnel in an office on the same floor. The vibration, while not severe, is annoying to personnel. The following data was received from the Plant Engineer: Fan weight is 14,000 lbs and is uniformly distributed. Fan speed is 1800 rpm (30 Hz). The fan is located near a floor column support, which means it is a fairly stiff support. There are no adverse environmental conditions. The center of gravity is located very close to the geometric center of the unit and is not very high up on the unit - a fairly stable condition. The fan is skid mounted and anchored to the floor at eight (8) locations. The skid consists of two (2) main beams 9" wide.

Solution Design isolators to be placed at the eight anchor bolt (1" diameter) locations. Load/Isolator = 14,000 lbs 8 = 1,750 lbs

Bearing area 8 legs - 6" x 6" with 1-1/8" diameter hole centered Lowest disturbing frequency = Fan speed = 1800 rpm = 30 Hz. 60

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Since vibration disturbance is not severe but simply annoying, a 75% reduction should be sufficient.

The frequency ratio required for 75% reduction is: Transmissibility (T) = = = = 1.0 - Reduction 1.0 - 0.75 0.25 1 FF FN
2

-1

Rearranging: FF FN = 1 + T T 1.25 0.25 2.24

= =

Therefore, an isolator with a natural frequency of: FN FN FN = = = FF 2.24 30 Hz 2.24 13.39 Hz is required.

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Fabreeka International, Inc.

A Fabcel isolator 1" thick loaded to its rated capacity will have a natural frequency of 13.5 Hz. In order to select the correct Fabcel to use, determine unit loading per pad by: Stress Stress Stress = = = load/leg bearing area/leg 1,750 lbs 35 in2 50 psi

Use a Fabcel 50 pad which has a rated capacity of 50 psi. Since there is an anchor bolt, we must also use a Fabcel washer matching the steel washer on a 1" diameter bolt which is: 2-1/2" OD x 1" ID x 5/16" thick The anchor bolt nut must only be finger tight to allow the freedom required for effective isolation. We recommend using Fabreeka bushings on the anchor bolt section in the hole of the support foot. This will insure against a short-circuiting of vibration if the bolt touches the inside of the hole in the foot. The isolation system design is now complete.

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