Abstract
Condition monitoring based on vibration measurement and analysis of planetary gear transmissions has not provided the same good results observed in conventional fixed-shaft gear transmissions. One of the causes being the improper interpretation of the vibration spectrum. The structure of the lines present in the spectrum of the vibrations measured on a non-faulty planetary gear transmission, with a sensor mounted on the outer part of the ring gear, is strictly related to the geometry of the transmission. Hence, different spectral patterns can be found for different planetary gear transmissions. In this work, a vibration model for a single-stage planetary gear transmission is presented to explain this phenomenon. The model is developed in the time domain and analyzed in the frequency domain by using the Fourier transform. It is shown that some planetary gear transmissions, with different geometries, present similar spectral structures. Based on this, a classification of planetary gear transmissions in four groups is proposed. The spectral characteristics of the vibrations of each group are presented. The classification allows for a fast estimation of the expected spectral pattern of the vibrations of any single-stage planetary gear transmission. Through this, contribution is expected in order to increase the effectiveness of vibrationbased condition monitoring in planetary gear transmissions.
Highlights
Planetary gear transmissions are used in a large diversity of machines within the industry
The structure of the lines present in the spectrum of the vibrations measured on a non-faulty planetary gear transmission, with a sensor mounted on the outer part of the ring gear, is strictly related to the geometry of the transmission
From the analysis presented in the preceding paragraphs, it results evident that the geometry of the planetary gear transmission is a determining factor in the spectral structure of the vibrations generated on it
Summary
Planetary gear transmissions are used in a large diversity of machines within the industry. They are used when high power transmission is required [1]. Machines working with high power levels are typically considered critical within the process. They receive special attention aiming to avoid unexpected failures that might need to stop the operation of the machine for repairing, hindering or even completely stopping the whole production. A condition monitoring strategy is used in these types of machines Within this strategy, the vibration measurement and analysis appears as the most powerful tool for early failure diagnosis. Repair activities are scheduled to optimize resources and minimize the time the machine remains out of production
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