Wavelet Transform in Vibroacoustic Diagnostic of Machines

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses the use of wavelet decomposition in the diagnostics of vibrometric signals of an engine. Apart from presenting the possibility of using wavelets in diagnostics, the authors take up the subject of the applicability range of processing for stationary signals, which until now has been reserved for non-stationary signals. A unified definition of signal stationarity has been proposed, which is not based on statistics. The authors presented methods of wavelet decomposition of a vibrometric signal of combustion engine vibrations, measured with the use of LDV (Laser Doppler Vibrometry). Laser measurements allows for studying an object without ‘touching’ its housing. Basing on the relative velocity of engine vibrations, the authors indicate how reliable vibrations are in diagnostics. Despite higher costs, this measurement method gives better results (for specific cases) than acoustic studies. Transform – wavelet decomposition is a solution hardly ever used in machine diagnostics; it is more often applied in medicine and image recognition. The authors presented the differences that can be obtained for different levels of decomposition, and also presented the impact on the engine condition assessment through the use of filtering (windowing) the signal before decomposition.