Clearance Condition Monitoring of High-Speed Train Axlebox Bearings Using Novel On-Rotor Sensing Technology

Axlebox bearing condition monitoring is crucial for the safety and reliability of high-speed trains. However, traditional accelerometers often fall short in detecting incipient faults effectively. This paper proposes a novel strategy that integrates On-Rotor Sensing (ORS) technology with the Maximum Negative Entropy Deconvolution (MNED) method. ORS technology, leveraging micro-electro-mechanical systems sensors, offers a more direct and precise means of capturing vibration data compared to traditional accelerometers. The MNED method further enhances features related to bearing clearance within the ORS signals. Bench tests were conducted to validate the effectiveness of this combined strategy. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of ORS in capturing bearing clearance information over traditional accelerometers mounted on the case. This work provides a promising solution for clearance condition monitoring of axlebox bearings.