Cepstrum Analysis as a Useful Supplement to Spectrum Analysis for Gear-Box Monitoring

Cepstrum analysis is used frequently in data processing and signal analysis. The use of this new technique however in monitoring the mechanical condition of gearboxes is still rather unknown. This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the cepstrum technique as a tool for the interpretation of gearbox spectra. The origin of vibrations in gearboxes and a useful definition of the cepstrum will be presented. The method will be applied for the condition evaluation of a transmission train of 4 gears and it will be shown that the method can be used effectively if some practical considerations and some limitations are kept in mind.