Introduction

Welcome to Level 2, Lesson 2 – Frequency Response and

Mounted Resonance for Accelerometers, part of CTC’s free
online vibration analysis training series.
We hope you enjoyed and benefitted from the previous course
and will continue to build your vibration analysis knowledge as
you progress through Level 2.

Frequency Response and Mounted Resonance for Accelerometers is created and

presented by CTC for complimentary educational use only. This training
presentation may not be edited or used for any other purpose without express
written consent from CTC.
Training
Objectives
This training will focus on the following concepts:

Natural Frequency Frequency Response Resonance Mounted Resonance

Upon completion of this lesson, you will:

Understand how each of the above concepts affects the data used for
1 vibration analysis and condition monitoring

2 Understand these principles which will enable you to ensure you are not
missing important data and will ultimately assist you with making better calls
Frequency Response
Terms
Natural Frequency Frequency Response
Every object or system has a natural frequency – the The natural or resonant frequency of a sensor will
frequency or set of frequencies at which an object have a direct effect on the sensor’s frequency
or system will vibrate when struck, set in motion, or response – a sensor’s ability to measure the correct
disturbed. The natural frequency of an object or amplitude of a vibration at a given frequency. A
system is dependent upon the stiffness and mass of sensor’s datasheet will typically list a sensor’s
that object or system. frequency response in relation to the minimum or
maximum frequencies that the sensor can measure
to a given degree of accuracy.

Resonance Resonant Frequency

When an object or system is excited at its natural The natural frequency of an accelerometer or
frequency, the result is a greatly amplified vibration velocity sensor is typically listed as the resonant
known as resonance. frequency on the sensor’s datasheet.
Frequency Response
Terms
Frequency Response –
Mass And Stiffness
Mass and stiffness play a key role in defining the natural frequency

Fn = natural frequency (Hz)

k = stiffness (lb/in)
𝒇𝒏 = 𝟏/(𝟐𝝅) 𝒌/𝒎 m = mass
The natural frequency (Fn) is equal to
1/(2𝜋 ) x the square root of stiffness
mass = weight (lb)/gravity (386.1 in/sec2)
(k) ÷ the mass (m)
Frequency Response –
Mass And Stiffness

If the stiffness (k) decreases, If the stiffness (k) increases,

then the natural frequency (f) then the natural frequency (f)
will also decrease (direct will also increase (direct
relationship) relationship)

If the mass (m) increases, then If the mass (m) decreases,

the natural frequency (f) will then the natural frequency (f)
decrease (inverse relationship) will increase (inverse
relationship)
Frequency Response –
Examples Of Stiffness And Natural Frequency

A simple example of the effects of stiffness on natural

frequency is a guitar string, which when plucked will
resonate at its natural frequency.

When that string is tightened, stiffness is added to the

system of the string, bridge, and key, the natural
frequency increases, and the note you hear is higher
pitched.
Frequency Response –
Examples Of Stiffness And Natural Frequency

Another example is when a fan is mounted to a frame.

When the fan is run at the frame’s natural frequency, the
fan will resonate.
Unlike a guitar string, achieving resonance on a large fan
is not desirable. An analyst may recommend that the
frame of the fan receive additional structural support,
thus stiffening the system and raising the natural
frequency beyond the running speed of the fan, so that
the fan does not go into resonance under normal
operating conditions.
Frequency Response –
Examples Of Stiffness And Natural Frequency

These same principles are at work in an

accelerometer.

Your sensor is designed to maximize

stiffness and minimize mass to achieve a
desired resonant frequency and frequency
range.
Frequency Response –
What Is It?
Input Output
As mentioned previously,
frequency response is a 1 g at 1 Hz 1 g at 1 Hz
sensor’s ability to measure
the correct amplitude of a
vibration at any frequency. 1 g at 10 Hz 1 g at 10 Hz
In other words, 1 g input at
1 Hz should yield 1 g 1 g at 1000 Hz 1 g at 1000 Hz
output from the sensor at
1 Hz, just as 1 g input at
1000 Hz should produce a 1 g at 10000 Hz 1 g at 10000 Hz
1 g output from the sensor
at 1000 Hz, and so on.
Frequency Response –
In The Real World
Unfortunately, in the real world, the frequency response is not always flat

In this plot, the input signal If the sensor illustrated in

The frequency response of
in the time domain has equal the center plot is sued to
the sensor always has
amplitudes although the measure the signal
limitations. In this plot, the
frequency increases illustrated in the first plot,
sensor resonance creates
amplification the output signal in the time
domain is modified as a
result of the resonance and
amplification occurs as
shown in this plot
Frequency Response –
Low Frequency
Low frequency roll-off is a result of:

Accelerometer specifications

The decoupling capacitator used

to separate AC vibration signal
from DC voltage, also known as
AC Coupling

Low frequency roll-off is typically a

factor at less than 1 Hz (60 CPM)
 Frequency Response –
High Frequency
High frequency gain is a result of:

Accelerometer specifications
and resonance

Mounted resonance

High frequency gain is typically

only a factor at 500 Hz (30,000
CPM) and greater, and is highly
dependent on mounting method
Mounted Resonance –
What Is It?
What can happen at
As noted earlier, resonance is the result of resonance?
operating a machine, sensor, or
accelerometer at its natural frequency. Large gains in amplitude

Mounted resonance is the resulting change Errors in signal amplitude

in natural frequency, caused by the
Phase change ≈ 180°
structural change of the accelerometer,
based on the mounting method used. This Destructive forces can
change in natural frequency is a direct occur
result of the change in mass and stiffness.
Mounted Resonance –
Transmission, Amplification, Isolation
The three regions of a typical accelerometer response curve are:

Transmission Amplification Isolation

This is the useable region This is the area in which This is the area above
of the accelerometer, and resonance is occurring resonance that has
will be specified at ±5%, and creating significant unpredictable gain, phase,
±10%, or ±3 dB. signal gain. Measurements and amplitude. This region
in this region should be should never be used for
taken with care using measurements.
special programs provided
by the data collector
manufacturer.
Mounted Resonance –
Transmission, Amplification, Isolation

This is a graphical
representation of the
three regions of an
accelerometer response
curve as explained in the
previous slide –
transmission,
amplification, and isolation
Mounted Resonance –
Resonance Changes And Mounting
The mounting method used for an accelerometer can
affect the mounted resonance

Mounted resonance can in turn effect the

transmission, amplification, and isolation range of the
sensor, as well as the frequency response of the
sensor

Therefore, analysts using mounting methods other

than the standard stud mount must consider what
effect the new mounted resonance and new
frequency range will have on the data being collected
Mounted Resonance –
Typical Mounting Methods
There are six typical mounting methods for an accelerometer:

Probe Curved Surface Quick

Tip Magnet Disconnect

Flat Magnet Adhesive Stud

with Target Mount Mount

Each method is very useful, but they each effect the frequency response of the accelerometer
Mounted Resonance –
Typical Changes In Response

The following slides will

show the changes in
frequency response of an
accelerometer based on
±3 dB limits using the six
typical mounting methods.

Notice that the mounting

method can limit the
frequency response.

Be careful when choosing

the mounting method for
your sensor. Don’t miss
valuable data!
Mounted Resonance –
Probe Tip
The probe tip, or stinger, has the least amount of surface
area contact and the least consistent and reliable pressure
to fix the probe to the machinery.

These factors all effect the stiffness of the mounting.

The probe itself also adds mass to the sensor.

The result is dramatically lower mounted resonance which

reduces the effective high frequency response (at 3 dB) to
just 500 Hz (30,000 CPM).

The analyst looking for critical data above 500 Hz (30,000

CPM) should opt for a different mounting method.
Mounted Resonance –
Curved Surface Magnet
The curved surface magnet increases stiffness with more
surface area contact and magnetic pull, however it also
adds significant mass.

These factors result in a higher mounted resonance and

better high frequency response (at 3 dB) than the probe tip.

Curved surface magnets have an effective transmission

range under 2000 Hz (120,000 CPM).

Interestingly, the stronger the magnet, which decreases

stiffness, does not yield significantly better data on most
applications - this is because the added mass on the larger
magnet counteracts the benefits of the increased stiffness.
Mounted Resonance –
Quick Disconnects
The intention of this mounting method is to increase the
speed of route collection and ensure that data is taken
from a consistent point.

Depending on the design of the system, of which there are

a variety, some will also increase stiffness when compared
to a curved surface magnet, thus raising the mounted
resonance and the effective transmission range of the
sensor.

CTC’s quick disconnect engages five threads with a

quarter turn and provides the best high frequency
response in the industry at 6500 Hz (380,000 CPM)
Mounted Resonance –
Flat Magnet With Target
When a flat surface magnet is used on a machine target,
surface area contact is maximized and stiffness in general is
increased over the other portable measurement methods.

However, there is still additional mass when compared to

the stud mount standard.

Analysts should expect to yield good data up to roughly

7,000 – 8,000 Hz (420,000 – 480,000 CPM) before hitting
3 dB and entering amplification range.

However, with perfect installation and execution, some

analysts report frequency responses as high as 10,000 Hz
(600,000 CPM).
Mounted Resonance –
Adhesive Mounting

Adhesive mounting is generally for permanent installations

and should yield data as high as 10,000 to 15,000 Hz
(600,000 to 900,000 CPM).

In this method, stiffness is maximized and there is only a

slight increase in mass compared to stud mounting.
Mounted Resonance –
Stud Mount

The maximum stiffness with the least additional mass is the

stud mounting option.

The stud mount option will yield the maximum frequency

range of the sensor when properly installed.
Mounted Resonance –
Reduced Frequency Response

Reduced frequency response of a probe tip

affects amplitude above 30,000 CPM

Reduced frequency response of a curved

surface magnet affects amplitudes above
120,000 CPM

Flat surface magnet with target measures

all amplitudes less than 600,000 CPM
Notice how the flat surface magnet with
target method can detect faults not seen
with the other two methods.
Summary
Of Important Topics
Consider accelerometer specifications for frequency response when selecting your accelerometer:
- Frequencies above the operating specifications will have increased amplitudes
- Frequencies below the operating specifications will have decreased amplitudes

Natural frequency will depend on the mass and stiffness of the accelerometer and mounting

Resonance occurs when the frequency of vibration is the same as the natural frequency of the
accelerometer

Mounted resonance is a result of the mounting method used and can have a direct effect on the
natural frequency

Choose the accelerometer and mounting method YOU need for YOUR machine frequencies and
avoid resonance

Work within the transmission range of the frequency response

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