Abstract
Traditional vibration analysis methods for rotating machinery consider steady state or near steady state behavior. Perhaps a key to identifying the source of some complex behaviors may be the transients associated with such phenomena. In an effort to develop a means of identifying transients, the application of harmonic wavelets is explored. Simple vibratory models were studied using harmonic wavelet analysis. Several general observations were made with characteristics found in the harmonic wavelet coefficients associated with particular behavior. Specifically, a relationship with transient growth and the absolute value of the harmonic wavelet coefficients was identified. Example experimental data was collected and analyzed from a bench top test rig with a journal bearing exhibiting oil whirl to illustrate the proposed methods.
