Page 303 - Root Cause Failure Analysis

GLOSSARY

acoustic emissions Testing technique that can be used to determine
the structural integrity of objects (e.g.. pressure
vessels).
actuate To put into motion or mechanical action, as by
an actuator.
actuator A mechanism to activate process-control
equipment by use of pneumatic, hydraulic. or
electronic signals.
aeration Exposing a liquid to air through bubbling.
aerodynamic instability An unstable state caused by oscillations of a
structure that are generated by spontaneous and
more or less periodic fluctuations in the flow.
particularly in the wake of the structure.
agitator A device for keeping liquids and solids in
liquids in motion by mixing, stirring, or shalung.
ambient condition Surrounding condition, especially pertaining to
temperature, pressure, humidity, and the like.

amplitude The magnitude or size of a quantity such as
velocity. displacement, or acceleration,
measured by a vibration analyzer in conjunction
with a displacement probe, velocity transducer.
or accelerometer.

analytical Describes the process of breaking up a whole
into its parts to find out their nature.

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