Investigation of Crack Detection Technique in a Rotating Shaft by Using Vibration Measurement

Abstract

Cracks in the shafts are critical factor, as they are difficult to detect during operation. Operatives and maintenance personnel of critical plant machinery are particularly interested in early detection of symptoms that can lead to in-service failure of shafts. Many researchers have developed new diagnostic techniques, in order to detect cracks in shaft rotor system is, therefore, highly essential to avoid catastrophic failure. Vibration signals used as a diagnostic tool for smooth functioning and to avoid an undue stoppage. This paper incorporates experimental and numerical investigation of effect of crack in a shaft, on vibration amplitude levels, frequency spectrum and natural frequency. The experimental setup is developed to study the effect of crack on vibration amplitude. The vibration signals are measured with the help of state-of-the-art two-channel CEMB N500 FFT analyzer. ANSYS 14 is used to modal analysis for finding theoretical natural frequencies. Impact Hammer Testing is carried out with the help of DEWE-soft 43 platform along with data acquisition system and electronic instrumentation for finding experimental natural frequencies of a system. The results of analysis show that vibration analysis can be used as a tool to detect crack in shaft, before they cause any failure.