Early detection and classification of bearing faults using support vector machine algorithm

Bearings are one of the most critical elements in rotating machinery systems. Bearing faults are the main reason for failures in electrical motors and generators. Therefore, early bearing fault detection is very important to prevent critical system failures in the industry. In this paper, the support vector machine algorithm is used for early detection and classification of bearing faults. Both time and frequency domain features are used for training the support vector machine learning algorithm. The trained classier can be employed for real-time bearing fault detection and classification. By using the proposed method, the bearing faults can be detected at early stages, and the machine operators have time to take preventive action before a large-scale failure. The usefulness of the algorithm is validated by using a run-to-failure experimental test data.