Optimal Bayesian early fault detection for CNC equipment using hidden semi-Markov process

Abstract The goal of a computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment is to guarantee high specified performance and to maintain it effectively over its life cycle time. Thus, the assessment of health condition is crucial for industrial systems. However, very few papers have dealt with the cost-optimal early fault detection and remaining useful life prediction of CNC equipment using multivariate positioning data. The novel approach presented here is based on vector autoregressive (VAR) degradation modeling and hidden semi-Markov modeling using the optimal Bayesian control technique. System condition is modeled using a continuous time semi-Markov chain with three states, i.e. unobservable healthy state 1, unobservable warning state 2 and observable failure state 3. Model parameter estimates are calculated using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. The optimal control policy for the three-state model is represented by a Bayesian control chart for a multivariate observation process. The optimization problem is formulated and solved in the semi-Markov decision process (SMDP) framework. A formula for the mean residual life (MRL) is also derived based on Bayesian approach, which enables the estimation of the remaining useful life and early maintenance planning based on the observed data. The validation of the proposed methodologies is carried out using actual multivariate degradation data obtained from a CNC equipment. A comparison with the multivariate Bayesian control chart based on a hidden Markov model (HMM) is given, which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.