Multivariable Trend Analysis Using Neural Networks for Intelligent Diagnostics of Rotating Machinery

Abstract

The objective of this paper is the development of an efficient intelligent diagnostic procedure that considers several diagnostic indices for the quantification of developing faults and for monitoring machine condition. In this procedure, the condition monitoring is performed based on the on-line vibration measurements, and further, the fault quantification is formulated into a multivariate trend analysis. Self-organizing neural networks are then deployed to perform the multivariable trending of the fault development. The attributes for the disordering of “knots” in the trend analysis are determined. The disordering of neural network units is then eliminated by suitably altering the self-organizing neural network algorithm. Applications of this diagnostic procedure to the condition monitoring and life estimation of a bearing system are fully developed and demonstrated. The efficiency and advantages of the intelligent diagnostic procedure in precisely monitoring and quantifying the fault development are systematically brought out considering this bearing system.