Discriminating debris particle in lubricant by ultrasonic waveshape features

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an effective method so that the ultrasonic technique can be applied to the online debris particle detection. It proposes utilizing the waveshape features in discriminating the debris particle in lubricant.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element model has been developed to investigate the scattering of the ultrasonic waves in lubricant containing single scatterer, such as the debris particle and the air bubble. The simulation results show that the results verify that different scatterers differ in the waveshape features. The static experiments were carried out on a specially fixture. The single spherical debris, long debris and air bubble were measured. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) method was applied to the analysis of the echo signals to obtain the features implicated in the waveshape.

Findings

The research of this paper verifies that different scatterers differ both in their shape features and in the FFT analysis features.

Research limitations/implications

The rapid movement of the debris particles as well as the lubricant temperature may influence the measuring signals. Besides, the measuring signals are usually corrupted by noise, especially for the tiny debris. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to solve those problems further.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the improvement in the online debris detection and the development of the ultrasonic technique applied in online debris detection.

Originality/value

The paper provides a promising way that the ultrasonic waveshape features can be utilized to the identify debris particle online.

Citation

Xu, C., Zhang, P., Ren, G., Li, B., Wu, D. and Fan, H. (2015), "Discriminating debris particle in lubricant by ultrasonic waveshape features", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 67 No. 3, pp. 202-209. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-03-2013-0033