Condition monitoring of a gear box using acoustic emission testing

Abstract

Acoustic emission testing (AE) was employed in this research to monitor sound indications emanating from a specially designed and built gear box. Various types of failures were purposely induced, simulating the possible wear and tear conditions that a gearbox may undergo during its useful life. Results obtained at different speeds were plotted against causes of failure. Subsequent analysis revealed the importance of correlating AE results with known failures. The technique developed for early failure diagnosis has the potential of utilizing AE as a tool for predictive maintenance.