Operational Deflection Shape testing (ODS) is the most powerful vibration diagnostic tools an analyst has for understanding vibration problems. Many machines vibrate because of mechanical problems below the machine bearings. Vibration analysis based on bearing measurements doesn't always provide enough information to diagnose problems like loose bolts, cracked welds, foundation problems, resonance resulting in bending and twisting modes of the support structure and other problems.

ODS is an extension of phase analysis. A vibration transducer produces frequency and amplitude information. When a third quantity (Phase) is added to the mix from tens or hundreds of measurement points, the result is one animated movie showing the shape of the machine as it vibrates from linear and non-linear sources. Best of all is the fact that our eyes and brain work very well to diagnose that animated movie.

I have been using ODS testing for many years on consulting jobs and I also offer classes to teach other how to use ODS.

My poll question asks if YOU use ODS testing.
If you use ODS: Choose the only YES answer.
If you don't use ODS: Choose one of the NO answers.
Feel free to leave a comment either way.

Thank you for participating.