Phase Signature Antenna Drive Diagnostics System

ASRI proposes to design and demonstrate a Phase Signature Antenna Drive Diagnostics System (PSADDS) for incipient fault detection and diagnostics of drive system bearing/gear train components. The PSADDS utilizes ASRI's innovative Phase Signature Analysis (PSA) techniques developed for the Space Shuttle Main Engine failure detection. conventional spectrum analysis has been a popular technique for mechanical fault signature identification. However, under an operation environment with multi-rotational components, vibration signals are often subjected to noise and signal interference which may reduce the diagnostic reliability. The proposed PSADDS will improve these inherent problems using a hierarchy of novel Phase Signature analysis techniques for anomaly identification. Phase information can play a significant role for fault diagnostics and can better identify hidden defects. As a result, the use of PSA techniques will reduce mis-interpretation rates and greatly improve system reliability. Phase I objectives are to investigate optimal antenna drive component defect signatures through test using PSA and standard techniques to demonstrate the detectability of various types of degradation/failure. The objective of this proposed SBIR study will be to build an operational hardware and software system for demonstration and implementation by the end of Phase II and a commercial system for industrial application in Phase III.