The amplitude of the 1x peak due to imbalance is proportional to which factor?

The amplitude of the 1x peak due to imbalance is proportional to the square of the speed of the machine. This relationship arises from the fundamental principles of vibration and dynamics. When a machine operates at increased speeds, the forces acting on it due to imbalance do not increase linearly; instead, they increase with the square of the rotational speed.

This means that if the speed of the machine is doubled, the imbalance force—and consequently the vibration amplitude—will increase by a factor of four (2 squared). This quadratic relationship is critical in analyses related to rotating machinery and helps inform maintenance, design, and operational strategies to mitigate vibrations caused by imbalances.

Understanding this principle assists operators and engineers in recognizing that controlling speeds can have significant ramifications for overall vibration levels and machine health, making it essential for effective vibration analysis and management in engineering contexts.