VIBSYS: Integrated didactic and research platform for Vibration Analysis

The paper introduces a new system for vibration acquisition and analysis for rotating machinery - VIBSYS. It includes a mechanical structure, data acquisition subsystem and a software system developed as a virtual instrumentation project. The latter implements the configuration of the data acquisition, signal processing steps and provides the user with an intuitive and easy to operate user interface. The main goal of the proposed approach is to enable bearing defect detection as an initial step in a complete procedure of predictive maintenance. Experimental results, based on a comparative study on two bearing types using envelope analysis techniques are also discussed. The platform plays a dual role as a didactic and research stand through its modular and scalable structure as well as versatility.