Contact vs Non-Contact Vibration Measurement

Choosing between contact and non-contact vibration measurement depends on the test object, environment, accuracy needs, and risk of sensor influence. This article compares accelerometers and laser Doppler vibrometers, explaining when to use each method, how they can work together, and why non-contact vibration testing is valuable for aerospace, rotating parts, modal analysis, lightweight structures, and hard-to-access components.