A comparative experimental study on the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of acoustics emission, vibration and spectrometric oil analysis for spur gears.

Prognosis of gear life using the acoustic emission (AE) technique is relatively new in condition monitoring of rotating machinery. This paper describes an experimental investigation on spur gears in which natural pitting was allowed to occur. Throughout the test period, AE, vibration and spectrometric oil samples were monitored continuously in order to correlate and compare these techniques to natural life degradation of the gears. It was observed that based on the analysis of root mean square (rms) levels only the AE technique was more sensitive in detecting and monitoring pitting than either the vibration or spectrometric oil analysis (SOA) techniques. It is concluded that as AE exhibited a direct relationship with pitting progression, it offers the opportunity for prognosis.