Investigation on the Effects of Structural Dynamics on Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis by Means of Multibody Simulation

Abstract

The present study aims to combine the fields modal analysis and signal processing and to show the use of Frequency Response Function (FRF), as a vibration transfer path, in enhancing reliability and abilities of the next generation vibration-based rolling bearing condition monitoring (CM) systems in complex mechanical systems. In line with this purpose, the hereby-presented paper employs an appropriate numerical model, that is, Multibody Simulation (MBS) of a vehicle’s drivetrain as a manner for numerical modal and structural analyses. For this, first, the principles of vibration-based bearing fault detection are reviewed and presented. Following that, a summary of MBS modelling and validating strategies are given. Then, the validated MBS model is used as a case study for further investigations. The results can confirm existence of challenges in fault detection of rolling bearings, in particular in complex mechanical systems. In further discussions, the capability of FRFs in fault localization and determination of ideal sensor positions is discussed in some detail. Finally, concluding remarks and suggestions for future works are summarized.