Application of slice spectral correlation density to gear defect detection

The most direct reflection of gear defect is the change in the amplitude and phase modulations of vibration. The slice spectral correlation density (SSCD) method presented in this paper can be used to extract modulation information from the gear vibration signal; amplitude and phase modulation information can be extracted either individually or in combination. This method can detect slight defects with comparatively evident phase modulation as well as serious defects with strong amplitude modulation. Experimental vibration signals presenting gear defects of different levels of severity verify to its character identification capability and indicate that the SSCD is an effective method, especially to detect defects at an early stage of development.