• condition monitoring
• skf
• vibration analysis

This dissertation was carried out at SKF Engineering & Research Centre, located in Nieuwegein (NL), and deals with rolling bearing condition monitoring. The main objectives of the work are the development of a data acquisition tool to support the testing activity and an evaluation of diagnostic techniques based on vibration analysis.
The first step was therefore a review of the state of the art of bearing condition monitoring. The results of the study led to write the technical specifications for an advanced CoMo system. The main part of the work was the design of a pilot version of the defined system, capable of implementing its principal functionalities.
The problem of the management of large amounts of data was solved by implementing an intelligent storage strategy. On-line and off-line diagnostic techniques for bearing health assessment were implemented as well. The system was developed and implemented on LabVIEW platform.
The final part of the work was the validation of the system itself, which was carried out by continuously monitoring a complete test on a bearing with a very early sign of failure; indeed this test was designed and executed in order to assess the growth rate of a micropitted spot.
Results show that the developed data acquisition system is a valid tool for the support of testing activity. With regards to the monitoring of the health conditions of the tested bearing, interesting features were highlighted, but for a definite assessment of suitability and reliability of the implemented diagnostic techniques an experimental campaign is necessary. Nevertheless the designed pilot system is a basis for developing a condition monitoring system capable to supervise a test.