Usage of Characteristic Function as Informative Diagnostic Feature

The statistic analysis of instantaneous values of vibration and acoustic signals showed that in particular the form of probability density function of instantaneous vibroacoustic signal values changes depending on the condition of the device under vibration- based diagnostics. The shape of the probability density curve can be described by the characteristic function. With regard to the diagnostics of reciprocating compressors the hypothesis had been put forward that the characteristic function of the vibroacoustic signal of reciprocating compressor is an informative diagnostic parameter of the technical condition of the unit. The article presents the results of a study of the statistical moments of the characteristic function parameters obtained for the different conditions of the test device. The studies revealed that the module of the characteristic function is the informative diagnostic symptom of reciprocating compressors faults and allows to assess the state of their units and parts.