A Multidisciplinary Framework for Vibration-Based Gear Fault Diagnosis Using Experiments, Modeling, and Machine Learning

Vibration-based gear diagnosis is crucial for ensuring the reliability of rotating machinery, making the monitoring of gear health essential for preventing costly downtime and optimizing performance. This study proposes a multidisciplinary framework to enhance fault diagnosis, that aligns with digital twin principles by integrating experiments, dynamic modeling, physical preprocessing, and machine learning. Within this framework, we focus on three core procedures: domain adaptation to reduce discrepancies between measured and simulated data; physical preprocessing, grounded in in-depth investigations dictating signal processing and feature engineering techniques; and learning algorithms, encompassing the process of training AI-based models. The framework is benchmarked through a comprehensive case study of localized tooth fault diagnosis, using controlled-degradation tests and realistic simulations. First, we detect faults using unsupervised learning algorithms; then, we use zero-shot-learning for classifying between localized and distributed faults; finally, we adopt a few-shot-learning strategy for severity estimation. Above all, this hybrid framework aligns with the accelerating field of physics-informed machine learning, by combining physical knowledge and advanced algorithmics with machine learning. This contributes to the PHM community by offering valuable insights into integrating different aspects of research, thereby enhancing performance in diagnosis tasks.