Vibration and Noise Monitoring, Machine Diagnostics and Modal Analysis

Research is focused on vibration and noise monitoring to quantify safe amplitudes, machine diagnostics of rotating machinery to establish preventive and fault mechanisms, and modal analysis to define natural frequencies of mechanical components and structures.

A lab dedicated to vibration testing using accelerometers and various associated signal monitoring modules has been commissioned. This equipment provides means of detecting plausible faults as a result of induced imbalance, bearing and gear deterioration amongst others. Run-up and run-down tests including rotor balancing are possible. Research is also focused on monitoring vibration emanating from heavy machinery to safeguard buildings and humans. Further research is focused on establishing natural frequencies of typical mechanical and civil structures. This offers the possibility to alter the stiffness thereby reducing the vibration amplitudes and dynamic loads exerted on such structures.  Means to monitor exposure to noise and reverberation times have been developed.

This research is highly relevant to national industries exploring ways to predict, control and minimise vibrations  and noise thereby safeguarding human exposure to vibration and noise together with preventing large overhauls. In particular means to identify Exposure to Noise, Whole Body Vibration and Hand-Arm vibration have been established as per:

L.N. 158 of 2006 - Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the Protection of Workers from Risks Resulting from Exposure to Noise.

L.N. 371 of 2005 - Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the Protection of Workers from Risks Resulting from Exposure to Noise.

L.N. 193 of 2004 - ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 2001 (CAP. 435) Assessment and Management of Environment Noise Regulations.

Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and the council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise 

BS 4142:2014 Methods for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound