Phase analysis: Making vibration analysis easier

By Tony DeMatteo, 4X Diagnostics, LLC

Figure 1. Vibration Waveform and Spectrum
Figure 2. Engine tuning using a timing light is phase analysis.
Figure 3. Absolute Phase Measurement
Figure 4. Absolute phase is calculated between the tach signal and vibration waveform.
Figure 5. Relative Phase Measurement
Figure 6. Relative Phase Calculated Between Two Vibration Waveforms
Figure 7. Pruftechnik VibXpert 2-Channel Vibration Analyzer
Figure 8. A phase shift between the foot and mount may indicate soft foot.
Figure 9. Phase identifies in-plane or twisting bearing motion.
Figure 10. Horizontal to Vertical Phase Shift of about 90 Degrees Confirms Unbalance
Figure 11. A phase shift between bolted joints indicates looseness.
Figure 12. Phase Data Indicates Parallel Shaft Misalignment
Figure 13. Shaft Operational Deflection Shape
Figure 14. Vertical Pump Operational Deflection Shape Structure Drawing
Vibration Waveform

Vibration Spectrum

Figure 1. Vibration Waveform and Spectrum

Photo from hiperformancepontiac.com

Figure 2. Engine tuning using a timing light is phase analysis.

Roving
sensor
Reflective tape
on shaft
Tachometer

Figure 3. Absolute Phase Measurement

Amplitude

One revolution
360

Roving
Vibration
Sensor
Waveform

Amplitude

270 to Peak
Vibration
Tach
Trigger

Tachometer
Waveform

Time

Figure 4. Absolute phase is calculated between the tach signal and vibration waveform.

Roving Sensor

Fixed Sensor

Figure 5. Relative Phase Measurement

One revolution
360
Amplitude

Fixed
Vibration
Sensor
Waveform

Amplitude

Tach
Trigger

270 to Peak
Vibration

Roving
Vibration
Sensor
Waveform

Time

Figure 6. Relative Phase Calculated Between Two Vibration Waveforms

Figure 7. Pruftechnik VibXpert 2-Channel Vibration Analyzer

37

3D

im
ag
ec

ou
rte
sy

c
of Vibrant Te

200

gy
hnolo

Figure 8. A phase shift between the foot and mount may indicate soft foot.

Phase Data

Phase Data
1
2
3
4

1
2
3
4

120
118
117
122

59
119
208
330

1
2

4
3

Straight

Twist

Figure 9. Phase identifies in-plane or twisting bearing motion.

Vertical

25

Horizontal to Vertical
phase difference

110 25 = 85
The problem is unbalance

110

shaft

Horizontal

bearing
Figure 10. Horizontal to Vertical Phase Shift of about 90 Degrees Confirms Unbalance

Bearing
270o
270o
90o

Loose joint

Fan
Pedestal
90o90o
90o

Sole Plate
Concrete
Floor

90o

Figure 11. A phase shift between bolted joints indicates looseness.

Phase and Magnitude Bubble Diagram

Boiler Feed Pump 3580 rpm
Phase & Magnitude at 1x Turning Speed

Readings in Velocity, in/sec Peak

Transducer flip corrected

175 Phase
Shift
In Phase

In Phase

DV
phase

AV
phase

BV
phase

CV
phase

10

15

190

188

.17

.29

vibration

.26

.15

vibration

vibration

Vertical
Readings

vibration

AA
phase

CA
phase

100

In
Phase

.07

Motor

vibration

Axial
Motor

Pump

100

.04
vibration

BA
phase

DA
phase

100

Axial
Pump

100

.06

In
Phase

.03

vibration

A
H

AH
phase

BH
phase

CH
phase

DH
phase

100

105

270

279

.15

.25

vibration

vibration

In Phase

Horizontal
Readings

.13

.23

vibration

vibration

165 Phase
Shift

vibration

In Phase

Figure 12. Phase Data Indicates Parallel Shaft Misalignment

Bearing # &
Direction

Displacement
(Mils P-P)

Phase
(Degrees)

1X

1.72

355

1Y

1.17

76

2X

3.08

255

2Y

2.51

40

3X

1.26

42

3Y

2.56

123

4X

2.37

305

4Y

1.36

83

5X

2.62

355

5Y

0.93

83

6X

0.65

63

6Y

0.85

210

Generator Shaft
Low Pressure
Turbine Shaft

High Pressure
Turbine Shaft

6
4 5
2 3
1
Bearing #

Figure 13. Shaft Operational Deflection Shape

Motor

Pump Shaft
Tube
Sole Plate,
Concrete Base
& Floor

Figure 14. Vertical Pump Operational Deflection Shape Structure Drawing