Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Frequency Based Fault Detection and Localization in a Planetary Gearbox Under Dynamic Condition

Abstract

Abstract The planetary gearbox is often susceptible to faults under dynamic condition. Most of the literature assumes that gearboxes are free from defects. But in real-time working condition these assumptions are not accurate. Therefore the challenge lies in identifying and localizing a fault in planetary gearbox under dynamic condition. In this paper, the focus is on modelling and simulation of a fault in a planetary gearbox and validate the same with experimental tests. A planetary gearbox is modelled as per DIN standard and simulated for time and frequency domain signals. On comparing a fault free and fault induced frequency domain signals, a small peaks are observed on either side of the mesh frequencies, indicating the presence of a fault in the planetary gearbox. These peaks around the mesh frequencies are used to localize the fault in a planetary gearbox. Simulation results are validated with the experimental test results of the planetary gearbox under dynamic conditions. Similar trend is observed in simulation and experimental results.