Main Sources of Airframe Vibration

When an airframe vibration occurs, it can be identified by people inside the aircraft. Depending on the source of the vibration, it may be experienced either as a physical movement, or as noise, or as both a movement and noise. These experiences can cause passenger concern and discomfort. Additionally, any vibration indicates increased wear of components. For both these reasons, identification of the cause of the vibration should be established quickly.

the majority of vibrations arise in the aircraft tail section, including 57% of vibrations from the rudder, and 15% from the elevator. Moveable control surfaces in the wings together account for only 11%, whereas sources in belly fairings, passenger and landing gear doors account for 17%.

The main contributor to vibrations, particularly on flight control surfaces, is free-play of servo-control bearings, servo-control attachments, and and/or surface hinge lines (bearings & attachment). Free-play is primarily caused by wear.

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