Analysis of noise sources produced by faulty small gear units

Noise source vizualization represents an important tool in the field of technical acoustics. There are many different techniques of noise source visualization. Most of them, however, are intended for a specific noise source in a specific type of acoustic environment. Consequently, a certain visualization method can be used only for certain types of noise sources in a specific acoustic environment and in a restricted frequency area. This paper presents a new visualization method of complex noise sources on the basis of the use of an acoustic camera. A new algorithm has been used, which makes it possible to visualize all types of different complex noise sources. Monopole, dipole or quadropole noise sources can be observed simultaneously. It is possible to track a moving noise source by means of an acoustic camera. In addition to that it is possible to observe various transient acoustical phenomena. Through the use in diagnostics, it is possible to define, by means of noise, the condition of mechanical systems at an advance level.