title: Vibration Testing: Theory and Practice
author:  Kenneth G. McConnell 
description: "&#8230;is a good foundational text for engineers concerned with component vibration testing as it might relate to failure analysis, qualification testing, reliability testing, and machinery diagnostics. The book is well written and makes the presented concepts easy to understand. I recommend it both as an introduction to laboratory testing techniques for the relative novice and as a reference for experienced practitioners in the field." (<i>Noise Control Engineering</i>, Jan-Feb 2009)
zlib_text: CHAPTER 25
  VIBRATION TESTING
  MACHINES
  David O. Smallwood
  INTRODUCTION
  This chapter describes some of the more common types of vibration testing
  machines which are used for developmental, simulation, production, or exploratory
  vibration tests for the purpose of studying the effects of vibration or of evaluating
  physical properties of materials or structures.A summary of the prominent features
  of each machine is given. These features should be kept in mind when selecting a
  vibration testing machine for a specific application. Digital control systems for
  vibration testing are described in Chap. 27. Applications of vibration testing
  machines are described in other chapters.
  A vibration testing machine (sometimes called a shake table or shaker and
  referred to here as a vibration machine) is distinguished from a vibration exciter in
  that it is complete with a mounting table which includes provisions for bolting the
  test article directly to it.A vibration exciter, also called a vibration gene