HOS-based nonparametric and parametric methodologies for machine fault detection

A framework for the detection and identification of machine faults through vibration measurements and higher order statistics (HOS) analysis is presented. As traditional signal processing techniques are based on the nonparametric magnitude analysis of vibration signals, in this paper, two different state-of-the-art HOS-based methods, namely, a nonparametric phase-analysis approach and a parametric linear or nonlinear modeling approach are used for machine fault diagnostic analysis. The focus of this paper is on the application of the techniques, not on the underlying theories. Each technique is described briefly and is accompanied by an experimental discussion on how it can be applied to classify the synthetic mechanical and electrical faults of induction machines compared with their normality. Promising results were obtained which show that the presented methodologies are possible approaches to perform effective preventive maintenance in rotating machinery.