Vibration Investigation & Fault Resolution
Root-cause diagnostics for machines & structures
- Imbalance, misalignment, looseness, and resonance
- Time/frequency analysis, order tracking, TPA
- Recommendations prioritised by cost, lead-time, impact
Why Vibration Consultancy Matters
Unmanaged vibration shortens component life, elevates noise, and risks failure. Our engineers turn raw signals into actionable design decisions—linking measurement, FEA, and structural dynamics to resolve root causes and increase resilience.
Chartered engineers (Engineering Council) and members of the Institute of Acoustics with 25+ years specialising in vibration and structural dynamics.
What Our Vibration Consultants Do
Vibration Analysis & Monitoring
Condition, performance & environment
- Acceleration, velocity, displacement; 1/3-octave & FFT
- Periodic or real-time monitoring with alarms
- Data you can reuse for model correlation
FEA Vibration & Structural Simulation
Modal, harmonic, random & fatigue
- Mode tuning, stiffness/weight optimisation
- Stress hot-spot identification & S-N life
- Model updating using test correlation
Modal Testing & Structural Dynamics
EMA, OMA, FRFs & damping
- Hammer/shaker tests, operating deflection shapes
- Boundary condition validation
- Resonance mitigation by design
Vibration Control, Isolation & Damping
Quieter, more resilient products
- Tuned mass dampers, absorbers, constrained-layer damping
- Isolation mounts & transmissibility design
- Noise reduction via vibration control (BS 4142 contexts)
Design for High-Vibration Environments
Certification and in-service reliability
- Requirements mapping to test standards
- Low-cost, short-lead design modifications
- Verification plans and compliance evidence
Rotating machinery Pipework & frames Electronics & sensors Ground & structure-borne BS 4142 noise via vibration
Areas of Expertise
When Vibration Harms Equipment
Component damage, shortened life, and reliability drift under dynamic loading.
- Blade-pass & gear mesh interactions
- Fatigue at welded/bolted joints
- Thermo-mechanical coupling effects
Vibration as a Source of Noise
Structure-borne paths dominating perceived sound, including BS 4142-related issues.
- Transfer path analysis (TPA)
- Source ranking & mitigation
- Compliance evidence packs
Human Exposure (HAV/WBV)
Measurement, assessment, and mitigation for operator safety and comfort.
- Tool & vehicle exposure assessments
- Design changes to reduce transmissibility
- Practical retrofit guidance
High-Vibration Environments
Aerospace platforms, rotating machinery, and harsh duty cycles.
- Qualification and certification support
- Electrical & mechanical system hardening
- Through-life monitoring & trending
Our Background in Vibration
For nearly three decades, we’ve solved vibration and fatigue problems across truck trailers, aircraft engine frames, mineshaft lifts, commercial and automotive systems. We work directly with OEMs and their customers to deliver lasting, standards-compliant solutions.
- Developed and tested components to pass rigorous certification vibration tests
- Resolved in-service failures via low-cost, short-lead design modifications
- Improved electro-mechanical assemblies for sustained vibration exposure
Our Process: Investigate → Measure → Analyse → Design → Support
1. Investigate
Define objectives, constraints, and physics of the problem (suspected resonances, fatigue hot-spots, transmissibility).
2. Measure
Plan instrumentation and DAQ for high-quality, traceable data (accel/strain/mics; calibration & uncertainty stated).
3. Analyse
Signal processing, modal/operational analysis, FEA correlation and sensitivity studies to reveal root causes.
4. Design
Mitigation: mode tuning, stiffness/mass redistribution, damping, isolation, and practical retrofit options.
5. Support
Implementation oversight, re-test, monitoring, and documentation for compliance and release.
Industries We Serve
Aerospace
Qualification, certification, and in-service reliability.
Automotive
Noise/vibration refinement and steering system control.
Industrial Manufacturing
Machinery diagnostics and uptime improvement.
Construction
Ground & structure response to dynamic loads.
Marine & Power Generation
Blade-pass & rotating equipment challenges.
Oil & Gas
Downhole tool vibration, reliability & data integrity.
Recent Projects & Outcomes
- Redesigned aerospace components to pass certification vibration testing
- Manipulated structural resonances to avoid fatigue at blade-pass frequencies
- Reduced steering noise via vibration control of mechanical systems
- Resolved in-service failures by altering low-cost, short-lead components
- Reduced operator exposure by redesign using analysis & test
- Measured & analysed vibration to identify root causes and fixes
Case Studies
API 619 Compliance
Reducing excessive vibration to meet API 619 limits.
Telecoms Tower
Structure-borne sound diagnosis & mitigation.
Forging Hammer
Foundation vibration monitoring and trending.
EPS Motor TPA
Transfer path analysis for electric power steering sound.
Quarry Plant
Rapid troubleshooting of vibration failures.
Downhole Tool
Advanced vibration analysis for harsh environments.
FAQs
Can vibration control reduce noise for BS 4142 assessments?
Yes. We prioritise structure-borne paths, apply TPA, and recommend damping/isolation and source-path-receiver interventions to achieve measurable reductions and provide evidence for assessments.
Do you work on live assets?
Yes—non-intrusive mounting, safe work protocols, and scheduling around uptime are standard practice.
Will we receive raw and processed data?
Absolutely. We provide calibrated datasets, metadata, and processing notes for full traceability and future correlation.
Speak to a Vibration Consultant
Describe your machine, structure, or certification goal. We’ll propose a plan with instrumentation, analysis, and delivery timeline.
Prefer to call? 01908 643 433 | Email: solutions@mechanical-engineering-consultants.co.uk