Fault detection using vibration signal analysis of rolling element bearing in time domain using an innovative time scalar indicator

Rolling element bearings are critical components of rotating mechanisms and the presence of defects may cause catastrophic failure. The early identification of such defects with the severity of damage under operating may avoid malfunctioning and breakdown. Defective bearings are the source of vibration and its signals can be used to assess the faulty bearings. The diagnosis of fault and assessment of defect severity using fault scalar indicator extracted from the time domain signal through increase in size has been presented. Six time scalar indicators, namely peak, RMS, crest factor, kurtosis, impulse factor, and shape factor have been considered. The results obtained from these fault indicators for assessing fault severity using simulation have been compared and found that they can be used for early prediction. A new scalar indicator has been developed to improve the diagnosis of defect up to a point of bearing failure and helps to take necessary action to avoid the failure. [Received 31 August 2016; Accepted 06 February 2017]