ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the basic concepts of vibration. It defines the terms which describe the theory of vibration. The chapter explains the causes of vibration in a system. It also explains the analysis of vibration in simple systems. The chapter also introduces simple harmonic motion (SHM), the most basic theoretical form of vibration. There are generally two classes of vibration, namely: free and forced vibration. The study of vibration is concerned with the oscillation of masses and the associated forces. Oscillations occur because of the way masses and the elasticity of materials combine. Oscillations may repeat themselves at regular intervals as in the case of a clock pendulum or they may display a great deal of irregularity as in earth tremors. During an oscillation the mass can be seen to: accelerate, slow down, stop, change direction, accelerate and slow down twice every cycle.
