We’ve all dreaded the moment, as we’re driving along, when
the car starts to shake or rumble for no apparent reason. Or wondered nervously
at the shuddering of an aeroplane as it takes off or lands. But what causes
such vibrations? An EU-funded project to develop sensor systems that collect vibration
information is yielding potentially game-changing results.
Vibration is a daily occurrence in a vast range of
machinery, not to mention in buildings and infrastructures as well. The
phenomenon causes wear and tear and often leads to equipment or structural
failure. But can it be prevented? The WIBRATE partners certainly think so,
provided that vibration characteristics are monitored and their underlying
causes are understood.