Fault diagnosis approach based on Volterra models

The fault diagnosis schemes are roughly divided into two major categories: signal analysis and modeling method. Compared with the signal analysis approaches, the availability of suitable models of machines could be exploited more conveniently, which allows a more precise and reliable fault identification. In this paper, a modeling fault diagnostic approach based on Volterra series for rotating machinery is presented. After a brief review of the Volterra series theory, the process of the new diagnostic approach and the identification method of Volterra kernels are introduced in detail. The computer simulation verifies its feasibility and validity. Then, this novel method based on Volterra modeling is employed for the fault diagnosis of a rotor-bearing system. Through investigating the changes of generalized frequency response functions of the system under different states, the faults are identified successfully. Finally, the laboratory experimental results verify its effectiveness.