Appendix A.

Diagnosing Induction Motor Vibration

Abstract
The following article has been reproduced from Hydrocarbon Processing, January
1981.
Motor vibration problems are unique because of the influences of magnetic fields.
Here are keys to understanding and diagnosing vibration problems—including
several examples.
J. H. Maxwell, Union Carbide Corp., Taft, LA.
Although 2-Pole induction motors are widely used in industry, their vibration char-
acteristics are not well understood. This is mostly because of the rotating magnetic
fields inside the motor, which add complex-ity to an already complex problem.
However, an understanding of the sources of “magnetic” vibration in a motor along
with even simple checks can allow analysis and correction of many motor problems.
Problem diagnosis is based on two principles. The first is that a motor is a rotating
machine, subject to all the problems of rotating machines: unbalance, misalign-
ment, bad bearings, etc.
The second principle is that a motor also has rotating magnetic fields. It’s almost
like having a “ghost rotor” in the machine rotating at a different speed.
The magnetic fields in a motor cause radial forces as well as torque. Ideally, these
radial forces are balanced as the magnetic fields rotate. These radial forces are
proportional to the current squared (or horsepower transmitted) and inversely
proportional to the air gap between the rotor and stator. Any variation then in the
current or air gap will produce an unbalanced force at that location. Shorted stator
turns or broken rotor bars will cause the current to be unsymmetrical, and rotor
eccentricity will cause air gap variations (Figure A-1).
If the problem is in the stator, the non-symmetry will be stationary and cause vibra-
tion at 120 hz. If the non-symmetry rotates with the rotor, then 1 times rpm and 2
times slip frequencies will be generated. These frequencies will generate others due
to modulations which occur in the motor.
Diagnostic tests. The first objective in diagnosis is to classify the vibration as
“machinery” or “magnetic,” and these three tests are common:
• Check for beats
• Trip and coastdown check
• Solo
Beats. The first step in classifying vibration is to look or listen for beats
(Figure A-2). The presence of beats indicates that there is definitely a “magnetic”

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Fig. A-1 Stationary and rotating air gap variations Fig. A-2 Looking for beats. One technique is to plot
the signal averaged and then Peak hold.

problem probably combined with a “machinery” problem. The absence of beats

means that there is probably a “machinery” only problem.
Relative amplitudes can be determined by noting the minimum and maximum
amplitudes (Figure A-3). The difference between them is the amplitude from one
source and the average is the amplitude from the other. For example, if the vibration
is beating between .2 IPS (Inches Per Second) and .4 IPS then the amplitude of one
component is .4 – .2 or .2 IPS and the other amplitude is (.4 + .2)/2 or .3 IPS.
Trip check. The next test is to cut the power to the motor while it is loaded. Prefer-
ably, cut it near the maximum of the beat. Immediately after power is cut, the vibra-
tion remaining is “machinery.”
In our previous example, if the vibration dropped from .4 IPS to .2 IPS when power
was cut, .2 IPS is “machinery” and .3 IPS is “magnetic.” If this test is run with a
spectrum analyzer in the “peak” mode, unbalance and resonance problems can also
be diagnosed (Figures A-4 and A-5).
There are a couple of dangers in this test, especially when using a portable meter
device rather than an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer. First, the instrument may
lag actual vibration and what is actually an instantaneous drop may appear to be
slow change. Secondly, a resonance may also drop off quickly, and without having
a speed reference (as with a spectrum analyzer) it may be difficult to distinguish
from an instantaneous drop.
Solo. A motor solo provides some useful information, but is often misinterpreted.
Many people believe that if a motor solos well, then the motor is good. This is not
necessarily true. A motor with “magnetic” problems will usually solo with toler-
ance. This is because magnetic forces in a motor are related to the square of current

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Fig. A-3 Analysis of beats

Fig. A-4 Analysis of trip check. Fig. A-5 Trip check. Note quick drop off with reso-
nance below running speed indicated.

which is a measure of load. Only the most severe “magnetic” problems will show
up on solo.
Advanced analysis. The last technique I will discuss required an FFT spectrum
analyzer with a “zoom” capability. The analyzer is used to look at three areas of the
spectrum with very high resolution. The first area is the first four multiples of slip

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frequency. Slip is defined as the difference between line synchronous frequency and
rpm.
The second area is around 1 times rpm, and the third area is around 2 times rpm.
The zoom should be enough to resolve slip frequency side bands.

Fig. A-6 Two-pole induction motor vibration analysis.

This data allows not only the separation of “machinery” and “magnetic” problems,
but also the separation of the two most common types of “magnetic” problems. A
stationary air gap variation will show primarily 120 hz, with some 1 times rpm and
1 times rpm + 2 times slip. A rotating air gap variation will show additional 2 times
slip side bands, with more 1 times rpm. When both problems are present, additional
slip frequency side bands appear. These vibrations will be added to any
“machinery” induced vibration at 1 and 2 times rpm, so the 120 hz and the 2 times
slip side bands are the key to the analysis.
I should point out that this “zoom” analysis is very new to us and we don’t have
enough experience to say it works every time. The relative probabilities in Table 1
are based on estimates not on actual machines, and I look forward to hearing from
anyone who tries this method to exchange experiences.
Most motor vibration problems are a combination of “machinery” and “magnetic”
problems and often these are further complicated by base problems. Motors of the
size we are discussing often are mounted on common bases with the driven equip-
ment on rails or steel boxes. This situation often leads to resonance problems or
inadequate base stiffness.

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The two major “magnetic” problems are related to air gap variations (eccentricity)
and current variations, and can be distinguished by side band analysis. And,
“machinery” problems can be distinguished from “magnetic” by a trip check.
Figures A-7 through A-11 show examples of the diagnostic techniques discussed.

Fig. A-7 Probable stationary air gap. Note large Fig. A-8 Probable rotating air gap. Note additional
120 hz and 1 times rpm plus 2 times slip. side bands, could also be combination.

Fig. A-9 Mostly “machinery” with some rotating air gap.

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Fig. A-10 “Machinery” combined with stationary air Fig. A-11 Mostly “machinery” with small rotating air
gap. gap or combination. Note additional side
bands.

About the Author

Howard Maxwell is a senior maintenance engineer with the Union Carbide Taft
Plant in Taft, LA. He has been with Carbide for ten years, specializing in
machinery vibration monitoring and diagnostics. Mr. Maxwell holds a BS degree in
Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University, and is a Registered
Professional Engineer in the State of Louisiana. He is a member of the IEEE and
ISA and worked on the committees which developed API Standard 670 “Noncon-
tacting Vibration and Axial Position Monitoring System,” and API Standard 678
“Accelerometer—Based Vibration Monitoring System.”

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