Ai-enhanced fault diagnosis in rolling element bearings: A comprehensive vibration analysis approach

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive approach for bearing fault diagnosis using artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs). By integrating these networks into vibration analysis, the approach aims to meet the critical need for prompt fault detection. The methodology comprises three key steps: vibration signal acquisition, feature extraction, and fault classification. Experiments were conducted to acquire vibration signals for the test bearings on a machinery fault simulator. Six time-domain features were extracted using MATLAB, creating a comprehensive dataset for training the ANN models with three algorithms: Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP), scaled conjugate gradient backpropagation (SCGBP), and Bayesian regularization backpropagation (BRBP). The BRBP algorithm achieved the highest correct classification rate (97.2%), followed by LMBP (90%) and SCGBP (83.6%). To evaluate their efficacy in bearing fault classification, these three networks were simulated, revealing that BRBP could predict all four classes of bearings with zero errors.