Analysis of damage of ball bearings of aeronautical transmissions by auto-power spectrum and cross-power spectrum

Fourier analysis is used as a framework in which to obtain spectral estimates for nonstationary discrete time signals. Analysis of the auto-power spectrum and the cross-power spectrum makes it possible to distinguish between false alarms and real risk situations and, in the latter case, to determine the propagation of any possible damage in its earliest phases. This analysis then allows corrective actions to be taken, such as parts replacement, in order to limit damage and contamination of component parts in fatigue tests and thus shorten machine stoppage times. © 2002 by ASME.