Which vibration frequency typically indicates impending belt failure?

The frequency that typically indicates impending belt failure is at twice the running speed. This relationship is due to the phenomenon known as resonance and the dynamics of rotating machinery. When the operational frequency of a belt-driven system approaches its fundamental running speed, various vibrational modes can become excited, leading to potential issues such as slippage, misalignment, or wear.

When the frequency is measured at twice the running speed, it often correlates with the fundamental fault frequencies associated with belt and sheave interactions. At this point, the energy content in the vibration signal may indicate signs of distress or potential failure modes, highlighting problems like belt degradation or incorrect tensioning.

Understanding the significance of this frequency helps in monitoring the health of a system, enabling early detection of issues before they escalate into significant failures. Properly interpreting vibration data in this way is vital for predictive maintenance practices, which aim to prevent unscheduled downtime and extend equipment life.