Classification of gear faults using Hoelder exponents

A new method for gear fault classification based on Hoelder exponents is presented. Two commonly encountered faults, namely cracked tooth and loss of tooth were investigated. Experimental results from a test rig were analysed using continuous wavelet transform and the Hoelder exponents for each type of faults were calculated from the resulted modulus maxima lines. It was shown that the Hoelder exponent for each type of fault exhibits a constant value, which is not affected by loading conditions or rotational speed. Therefore, a characteristic Hoelder exponent can be assigned to each type of gear fault and can be used for fault characterisation in practical applications. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.