An overview on condition based monitoring by vibration analysis

One of the methods to achieve mission availability is through the proper maintenance of aerial platforms. An alternative concept in the maintenance of these aerial platforms, particularly rotating parts, is by using vibration analysis. Vibration monitoring is commonly understood to be a form of condition monitoring used extensively in the aerospace industry to monitor engines, transmissions and gearboxes to detect faults before they develop into catastrophic failures. Some applications simply wear out of excessive vibration levels, while others are able to match the vibration signatures of known failure modes. Given the safety and cost implications of catastrophic failures in these helicopter components, investment payback can be achieved if such failures are avoided. This project is focused on the AGUSTA helicopter used by Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat (PUTD), where regular vibration measurements are taken at the main gearbox while monitoring the vibration trending. By the analysing the vibration spectra, the engineer can predict when a component is going to fail, and hence the necessary remedies and actions can be taken