CVA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CVA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of adding mass or stiffness to a structure to address a resonance problem? → To shift the natural frequency away from the excitation frequency to detune the resonance
2. Which type of shaft misalignment produces high vibration predominantly in the axial direction at 1× and 2× running speed? → Angular misalignment
3. What is the unit of the Y-axis in a power spectral density (PSD) plot? → g² / Hz
4. What does FFT stand for in vibration analysis? → Fast Fourier Transform
5. Which parameter is used in high-frequency bearing diagnostics to quantify the overall impulsiveness of the bearing signal? → Kurtosis
6. What issue does excessive heat often point to? → Bearing or lubrication problems
7. What characteristic vibration pattern is associated with shaft misalignment? → Elevated 2× running speed, often with high axial vibration at 1× and 2×
8. What device measures equipment temperature without contact? → Infrared thermometer or camera
9. In rolling element bearing failure analysis, what does 'spalling' refer to? → Fatigue cracking and flaking of material from bearing raceways or rolling element surfaces
10. When using the rim and face dial indicator method, what does the 'face' indicator primarily measure? → Angular misalignment between the two shafts
11. What is the first step in troubleshooting machinery issues? → Identify and understand the symptoms
12. Which bearing defect frequency is typically the lowest and corresponds to cage rotation? → FTF
13. What is the relationship between time record length and frequency resolution in FFT analysis? → Longer time records produce finer (better) frequency resolution
14. What is the primary purpose of vibration analysis? → Predict and prevent mechanical failures
15. Why should companies comply with vibration safety standards? → To minimize health risks and legal issues
16. Oil whirl is a self-excited vibration that occurs in journal bearings at approximately what frequency relative to running speed? → 0.43–0.48× running speed
17. What tool is commonly used to check electrical faults? → Multimeter
18. What is the primary goal of condition monitoring? → Identify problems early to prevent failure
19. Which measurement quantity is obtained by integrating an acceleration signal once? → Velocity
20. What type of rotor unbalance causes a pure couple (moment) with no net centrifugal force? → Couple unbalance
21. Which parameter is commonly measured in condition monitoring? → Vibration, temperature, and oil quality
22. What is the most common vibration frequency signature associated with parallel (offset) misalignment? → Dominant 2× radial vibration
23. What is whole-body vibration exposure linked to? → Lower back pain and musculoskeletal issues
24. What is the purpose of a Keyphasor® signal in rotor dynamics analysis? → To provide a once-per-revolution phase reference for synchronous vibration analysis
25. In ISO 1940 balance quality grades, what does a higher G number indicate? → Looser balance tolerance allowing more residual unbalance
26. Which hazard is linked to prolonged hand-arm vibration exposure? → Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
27. What does OSHA regulate regarding workplace vibration? → Worker exposure to harmful vibration
28. What diagnostic tool analyzes electrical motor health? → Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA)
29. What is the vibration signature characteristic of rotor unbalance? → Dominant 1× running speed component, typically with consistent phase
30. What should be checked first if a motor fails to start? → Verify the power supply and connections