Condition monitoring of a simple involute laminated gear train using vibration analysis

Abstract

Machine 'Health' monitoring is a very important concept in machinery maintenance. Condition monitoring techniques help in assesing the state of deterioration of a machine, detect incipient failures at the earliest possible time enabling prediction to be made, hence plan and organize overhaul maintenance schedules. This improves machine utilization and hence productivity One of the most successful machine monitoring techniques is Vibration Analysis. This technique Lends itself well to rotating machinery in which dynamic forces prevail. Vibration analysis consist of measuring the response of machinery to the dynamic forces, and by evaluating this response, vibration amplitudes can be attributed to their cause. Any consistent increase in these amplitudes will indicate deterioration and the responsible cause can be identified. Different techniques can be employed to perform a successful analysis. Typical rotating machinery, on which vibration analysis are carried out, are gearboxes. This dissertation seeks to carry out Laminated gear train condition monitoring using vibration analysis. The study was divided into four main sections: Research and familiarization with gearbox vibration analysis techniques - this helped in anticipating problems the design and construction of a gear testing rig mostly incorporated extensive work on machine tools and workshop practices.