Engine Vibration Signals as an Aid to Fault Diagnosis

This paper discusses, in a general way, the techniques that can be used for diagnosing engine malfunctions from vibration signals. The various kinds of signals which can be obtained by instrumenting an engine are considered with reference to the various analytical techniques available for abstracting useful diagnostic information.

The results of two experiments are presented to provide a practical illustration of some of the methods propounded in this paper. One experiment shows how an oversized rod bearing can be detected, and the other demonstrates a technique which provides a method for pinpointing malfunctions in the valves.