Signal processing techniques for Diacoustic(R) analysis of mechanical systems

It has long been understood that mechanical failures, both extant and incipient, can often be detected by the human ear. A good mechanic can spot many kinds of trouble just by listening and will have a stethoscope in his or her tool box. Diacoustic(R) analysis is a method of achieving the same result, more reliably, using advanced signal processing algorithms. An overall diagnostic system consists of both hardware and software. Depending on the application, the Diacoustic(R) functions will be integrated with other sensors and software for their analysis. For example, temperatures and pressures are frequently indicative of machine health. Modern vehicles use gas sensors (such as the oxygen sensor in an automobile) to ascertain combustion efficiency. All other such indicia must be included with Diacoustic(R) techniques to comprise complete failure detection and warning system. In this paper the author addresses the Diacoustic(R) functions only