scope:

Scope of application

Guideline VDI 3839 Part 8 provides information about vibration excitation and vibration patterns which, arising from the excitation forces of reciprocating piston engines, can occur in these engines themselves or in machines driving or driven by them. This Part is applicable to reciprocating machines with power ratings in excess of 100 kW as engines in stationary systems for the purpose of generating energy, as drives for compressors, pumps and other machines in process technology, in ships and in railtrack vehicles. It is also applicable to reciprocating compressors in this power output range. Reciprocating machines dealt with in this guideline are without exception reciprocating piston machines.

The guideline does not apply to rotary piston machines. Information about the terminology from the field measurement and analysis used here, about measurement and analysis equipment mentioned or recommended, and about special analytical methods may be found in VDI 3839 Part 1. Reference should still be made to VDI 3839 Part 2 which provides an overview of vibration patterns for excitation arising from unbalance, incorrect assembly, bearing faults and damage to rotating components - in other words, from excitations which can occur with all kinds of machines with rotating parts, irrespective of their size, power rating and speed. With reciprocating machines, however, these vibrations are in most cases only of secondary importance compared with those which are caused by their typical, design-determined excitation forces.