An approach to signal processing and condition-based maintenance for gearboxes subject to tooth failure

Condition vibration data from eleven gearboxes run to failure on the mechanical diagnostic test-bed at Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory was processed calculating the fault growth parameter (FGP) from the residual error signal. FGP, its revised version FGP1 and some other variables calculated from the residual error signal were analysed using the proportional-hazards modelling technique. Several statistical and replacement decision models were built based upon the observed condition data and ensuing failure events. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.