Structural vibration occurs when dynamic forces generated by compressors, pumps, and engines cause the deck beams to vibrate. This vibration leads to piping failures, poor equipment reliability, and safety concerns. The vibration is due to the structure being mechanically resonant. The term “resonance” occurs when dynamic forces coincide with the natural frequencies of the supporting structure. At resonance, the forces are amplified up to 20 times, and cause deck beams to vibrate above safe operating limits.

Refer to Wood’s (BETA Machinery Analysis) for a more detailed explanation of resonance.

Structural resonance problems are not limited to larger horsepower equipment. They also occur with smaller reciprocating pumps or compressors, as the examples presented below clearly illustrate. Structural resonance is best avoided by a properly conducted.

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