Vibration is typically measured by an accelerometer. The accelerometer requires a power supply or a signal conditioner. The accelerometer signal can be displayed on an oscilloscope. It can also be input to a computer-based data acquisition system. A PC with a very good sound card could serve as the data acquisition system.
Vibration propagates in the form of waves, such as bending waves and longitudinal waves.
In certain cases, standing waves may form. Electromagnetic shakers can be used for vibration excitation. The shaker requires an amplifier and a signal source. Small shakers are used for modal testing, impedance measurement, and education demonstrations. Large shakers are used to test objects in order to verify that they can withstand vibration environments.