Does linear averaging work by averaging the time waveform?

Linear averaging does not work by averaging the time waveform itself; it is generally applied to the frequency domain data. When linear averaging is performed, the individual frequency spectra derived from time waveforms are averaged together rather than taking the time waveforms and averaging their values directly. This method is effective for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio, as it allows for the cancellation of random noise that can obscure the underlying signal.

In this context, the averaging process looks at the energy present at each frequency across multiple measurements, rather than considering the sequential time values within each measurement. This distinction is crucial because time waveform averaging can lead to misleading interpretations, especially when noise is involved, as it does not effectively discriminate between the noise and the actual signal components.

By focusing on discrete frequency components and their amplitudes, linear averaging helps to provide a clearer representation of the vibrational characteristics of a system, making it a critical technique in vibration analysis.