What is the purpose of order normalizing a graph?

The purpose of order normalizing a graph is primarily to highlight which peaks are synchronous and non-synchronous. When analyzing vibration data, especially in rotating machinery, different frequencies can correspond to various orders of the rotating components. By normalizing the data to a specific order, it allows for a clearer identification of these synchronous vibrations, which are crucial for diagnosing issues such as imbalances or misalignments. This process helps to differentiate between vibrations caused by the inherent operating conditions of the machinery and those caused by external factors or anomalies.

Identifying synchronous peaks is important because they often indicate harmonic relationships with the operating speed of the machine, potentially pinpointing specific problems tied to its operation. In contrast, non-synchronous peaks might suggest unrelated issues or disturbances, thereby making order normalization a valuable tool for vibration analysis.