This paper studies the characteristics of Diesel engine airborne acoustic signals using time-frequency domain
techniques. One analysis technique is investigated:
Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) which is reviewed
from the mathematical point of view, based on its
developmental stages, drawbacks and the subsequent
improvements.
The detection capabilities of this technique are evaluated
using air-borne acoustic signals collected from diesel engine
in acoustically untreated laboratory.
Some engine conditions and faults are investigated using
CWT techniques. The achieved results prove the technique’s
sensitivity to engine’s speed and load variations. More
important, the CWT shows excellent capabilities in detecting
engine’s injection process and lubrication related faults at
early stages. At the end of the paper, summary is given.