Experimental observations of rotor orbit analysis in rotating machines

A better understanding of the characteristic features of different faults associated with rotating machines is very vital, so that appropriate and timely maintenance interventions can be recommended prior to the occurrence of catastrophic failures. Rotor orbit analysis of machine vibration data collected using proximity probes has been observed to be useful for faults diagnosis in rotating machines. Although this analysis is extensively applied for rotating machines’ faults diagnosis in several industries, however, very limited experimental results are still available in literatures. In the current study, rotor orbit analysis has been conducted on an experimental rig of 1500 mm rotor length, supported by four flexibly mounted anti-friction ball bearings. A number of faults have also been experimentally simulated on the rig for the purpose of this study. Hence, the paper presents the experiments conducted, the rotor orbit analysis and observations, which may further enhance the understanding of rotating machines’ behaviors under different faults.