Abstract
A rotating machinery test rig was instrumented with fiber optic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FFPI) strain sensors for condition monitoring of rolling element bearings. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) was utilized to simultaneously monitor the sensors with analog and digital readout systems - analog for high bandwidth and digital for high dynamic range and the monitoring of multiple sensors. The high sensitivity of the FFPI sensors allowed for the measurement of strain forces affecting roller element bearings. Tests were conducted comparing the temporal waveforms and their respective spectra for various loading conditions. The effects of imbalance added to the shaft, changes in rotational speed, impacts on the rotor system, and detection of bearing defects in the outer and inner races were also investigated. The frequencies at which peaks were observed in the bearing sensor spectra closely matched predicted values. Imbalance and rotational speed tests showed good agreement with expected trends, and bearing defects were successfully detected.
Juarez, Juan Carlos (2002). The application of fiber optic sensors to the monitoring of roller element bearing systems. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -J95.