How to Make Phase Measurements

Phase Measurements Page 1

Rev A 127360-01
I. Phase Angle Measurements and Phase Reference Review
Phase angle is the timing relationship, measured in degrees, between two
events.
A. Relative Phase is the timing relationship measured in degrees, from a
point on one signal to the nearest corresponding point on another signal.
0 360
360 0
There are five rules used to measure relative phase:
1. two vibration signals
2. same frequency
3. same units (mils, in/s, or gs)
4. either signal may be the reference signal
5. relative phase is measured between 0 and 180 degrees leading or
lagging.
ONE CYCLE
ONE CYCLE
TIME
Signal A (Y)
Signal B (X)
RELATIVE PHASE
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Rev A 127360-01
By knowing the relative phase relationship between two orthogonal (xy)
transducers and their location on the machine, one can determine the
direction of precession.
0 360
360 0
Q. On the figure above, what is the relative phase between the two
vibration signals?
A.
Q. Is the direction of precession X to Y or Y to X ? (Y is 90 CCW of
X)
A.
ONE CYCLE
ONE CYCLE
TIME
Signal A (Y)
Signal B (X)
RELATIVE PHASE
Phase Measurements Page 3
Rev A 127360-01
B. Longitudinally: We can look at the response along the length of the
shaft. This can give us an idea of the deflection shape of the shaft and
possibly the location of a malfunction source (i.e. instability).
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
Q: What is the phase relationship between probes 2 and 3 for example A?
A:
Q: What is the phase relationship between probes 2 and 3 for example B?
A:
A
B
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Rev A 127360-01
Explanation of Reference Signal
The reference signal can come from a variety of
instruments:
1. Keyphasor probe (projection or notch)
2. optical pickup (reflective tape)
3. strobe light (match mark on shaft and casing)
(Beware of aliasing at multiples or submultiples
of running speed)
4. magnetic pickup (changes in emf)
Important: The reference pulse must be a once-
per-turn signal.
C. Absolute Phase is the number of degrees of vibration cycle from
when the Keyphasor fires (once-per-turn reference pulse) to the first
positive peak in the vibration signal.
1. The rules for measuring absolute phase are:
a. two signals (vibration signal filtered to single frequency and
reference signal)
b. filtered vibration frequency must be an integer multiple of
reference signal
c. absolute phase is measured from the reference signal and is
therefore always a lag angle, measured from 0 to 360 degrees.
d. the 0 location is defined as the point on the shaft under the
reference vibration transducer when the reference signal occurs.
0
0
-V
-V
Probe
One
Revolution
One
Revolution
Phase Measurements Page 5
Rev A 127360-01
2. 1X absolute phase measurement
0 360
In this example the vibration frequency is 1X. This is evident because one
vibration cycle matches one rotation of the shaft (Keyphasor pulse to the next
Keyphasor pulse). The phase angle, measured in degrees of vibration cycle, is
measured from the leading edge of the blank spot to the first positive peak of
vibration. The measurement is from the reference signal to the positive peak of
vibration. Absolute phase, therefore, is always a lag angle.
Q. What is the absolute phase of the vibration signal shown?
A.
Vibration
Signal
Keyphasor
Signal
Degrees of
Rotation
Time
Phase
Lag
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Rev A 127360-01
3. nX absolute phase measurement
0 360
Absolute phase measurement for other vibration frequencies is done in the
same manner. In this example the vibration frequency is 2X. This is known
because two complete vibration cycles occur in one rotation of the shaft,
Keyphasor pulse to Keyphasor pulse. The absolute phase angle is still measured
in degrees of vibration cycle from the leading edge of the blank spot to the first
positive peak of vibration. The divisions on the oscilloscope can be used to
accurately measure the vibration cycle degrees.
Q. What is the absolute phase of the vibration signal shown?
A.
One Shaft Revolution
One Vibration
Cycle
Time
Phase Measurements Page 7
Rev A 127360-01
D. Additional Uses of Phase Angle Measurements
1. Phase angle is a vibration measurement that can be used extensively in
machinery diagnostics. Listed below are a few of the many phase angle
applications.
a. shaft balancing
b. shaft crack detection
c. shaft/structural resonance detection
d. shaft mode shape
e. direction of precession
f. location of fluid induced instability source
2. Laterally (or radially): When we look at transducers in a single
measurement plane on the shaft, using phase we can measure:
a. direction of precession (using XY vibration transducers and
relative phase)
b. direction of the response (using a vibration transducer and a
reference signal)