A method for estimating the in-plane vibrations of a rotating spindle using out-of-plane laser vibrometry measurements is described. This method enables the possibility to obtain the two orthogonal radial vibration components of a rotating spindle. The method uses the fact that the laser vibrometer signal is a total surface velocity of the measurement point in the laser direction.

Measurements are conducted on a rotating milling machine spindle. The spindle is excited in a controlled manner by an active magnetic bearing and the response is measured by laser vibrometer in one of the two orthogonal directions and inductive displacement sensors in two orthogonal directions simultaneously. The work shows how the laser vibrometry crosstalk can be used for resolving the in-plane vibration component, that is the vibrations in the laser vibrometer cross direction. The result is compared to independent measurement signals from the displacement sensors.

The measurement method can be used for vibration measurements on rotating parts, for example, where there is lack of space for orthogonal measurements.