Vibration analysis via wireless network

Abstract

This thesis addresses the problem of early detection of fault conditions in an air compression system. Initially, pressure transducers, and MaxStream ZigBee devices, were utilized to provide data to a remote GUI interface through wireless data transmission. The research also included a study of vibration analysis utilizing a Kullback-Lieber algorithm for spectral distance. This algorithm was programmed in LabView 8.0 using the FFT at the point of measurement to process the raw data obtained from a set of accelerometers. The results of the FFT were wirelessly transmitted to an end node where a LabView program processed the Kullback-Lieber algorithm to obtain a spectral distance value. This value was then compared to a reference value to ascertain whether the bearings on a particular piece of equipment required maintenance. The expected contribution from this research is to highlight the capability for greater wireless capability aboard U.S. Naval vessels. Wireless networks offer an inexpensive, reliable, survivable method for leveraging the power of information throughout the ship. Additionally, there are significant advantages to be realized through the reduction of manpower assigned to the repetitive and highly error-prone process of monitoring the thousands of sensors aboard any naval vessel.