Book excerpt: Mechanical Vibrations and Condition Monitoring presents a collection of data and insights on the study of mechanical vibrations for the predictive maintenance of machinery. Seven chapters cover the foundations of mechanical vibrations, spectrum analysis, instruments, causes and effects of vibration, alignment and balancing methods, practical cases, and guidelines for the implementation of a predictive maintenance program. Readers will be able to use the book to make predictive maintenance decisions based on vibration analysis. This title will be useful to senior engineers and technicians looking for practical solutions to predictive maintenance problems. However, the book will also be useful to technicians looking to ground maintenance observations and decisions in the vibratory behavior of machine components.