Vibration Theory & Terminology: Cycle

The word cycle comes from the same root as the word circle. A circle begins and ends at the same point, as thus, so does a cycle. All vibrations consist of repetitive cycles. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 .

Fig 1: Identifying Cycle Time

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Vibration Cycles In Powertrain Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.