Potential of Empirical Mode Decomposition for Hilbert Demodulation of Acoustic Emission Signals in Gearbox Diagnostics

Abstract Background The acoustic emission (AE) analysis has been used increasingly for gearbox diagnostics. Since AE signals are of non-linear, non-stationary and broadband nature, traditional signal processing techniques such as envelope spectrum must be carefully applied to avoid a wrong fault diagnosis. One technique that enhance the demodulation process vibration is empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Until now, combination both not yet improve diagnostics in gearboxes using signals. Purpose In this research we explore use EMD Hilbert transform representation gear spectrum. Methods were measured on planetary (PG) with ring fault. A comparative was conducted spectra original obtained intrinsic functions (IMFs) considering three types filters: highpass filter whole range, bandpass based IMF fast kurtogram. Results It demonstrated how results can improved by selection relevant frequency band most affected Moreover, complementary prior calculation lead diagnosis gearboxes. Conclusion potential reveal bands these Further shall focus overcome issues its application