Vibration is a common term used to describe different degrees of mechanical oscillation. Vibration can mean anything from imperceptible seismic movement, through rattling parts in a car, to an earthquake.
Vibration is classified into three different types: transient, random and periodic vibration. The vibration source partially determines what type of vibration is generated.
Transient vibration
A single, isolated disturbance with high amplitude and short duration, e.g. a shock. Presses, shearing machines or dropped objects are examples of transient vibration sources.
Random vibration
Recurring disturbance of short duration that cannot be defined over time.
Periodic vibration
Repetitive oscillation about a reference point of equilibrium over a constant, regularly occurring time period.
