This MSc module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the requirements for successful condition monitoring. This includes a review of relevant instrumentation data logging and the essential electronics for their successful operation. The module focuses on vibration monitoring since it is the most popular method of determining the condition and diagnosing faults in Rotational Machines, although other techniques used in condition monitoring are also covered.

Learning Outcomes involve:

- Have a detailed understanding of the principles common to all condition monitoring systems.
- Have a detailed understanding of the vibration signals associated with common faults in rotating machines.
- Apply vibration monitoring instrumentation to obtain reliable records and to critically analyse the collected data.
- Using theoretical insight and engineering views, employ commercially available hardware and software for data collection and analysis.
- Have an appreciation of AI-technology and its application in Condition Monitoring.
- Have an appreciation of the problems associated with implementing new technologies in the factory.
- Evaluate the cost benefits derived from implementation of a successful condition monitoring strategy.

Teaching/Learning Strategy:

This module will be taught by lectures, laboratory demonstrations and case studies. The laboratory demonstration will cover a whole range of equipment and the students should be able to correlate the test results with the taught material, thus enhancing student appreciation. Appropriate coursework in related area should further consolidate student's understanding on the subject.

Syllabus:

The teaching syllabus will cover the following areas:

Vibration Monitoring
Basic vibration theory, vibration transducers; balancing, vibration measurement and analysis, machine vibration; Rotational machine faults and vibration characteristics. Applications of vibration monitoring to rotating machines and manufacturing processes. Vibration monitoring in practice to detect faults in bearings and gears and current diagnostic tools commercially available.

Instrumentation and Data Analysis
An introduction to instrumentation systems; Basic principles of transducers and commercial signal analysers. Digital signal processing and computational techniques. Time series analysis. Measurement of common variables such as temperature, force, flow, pressure, strain, displacement, velocity, acceleration, current and power.

Thermal Monitoring
Introduction to thermal monitoring; thermal monitoring techniques, application of thermal monitoring to manufacturing processes. Thermal imaging camera, and its application as a condition monitoring tool.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Introduction to Acoustic Emission Monitoring; Acoustic Emission measurement techniques; Associated instrumentation, application of acoustic emission monitoring to manufacturing processes.

Lubricant analysis/monitoring
Introduction to tribology, lubricant types and their properties. Introduction to wear debris monitoring; wear mechanisms; collecting and describing wear debris; quantifying wear debris; wear and contamination control; wear debris and oil analysis in practice.

Intelligence Systems
An introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Expert Systems and neural networks. The application of
AI-technology in condition monitoring problems.

Indicative Reading:

Relevant topics from the following books:

The vibration Analysis Handbook, J I Taylor (1994)
Machinery Vibration Condition Monitoring, Lynn, Butterworth (1989)
Diagnostics for Machines and Structures, M Dimentburg, et al, J Wiley (1991).
Handbook of Condition Monitoring, B.K.N. Rao (1996)
Principles of Measurement Systems, J P Bentley, 3rd Edition (1995)
Instrumentation for Engineers, J D Turner, Macmillan (1988).
Cost Effective Maintenance, W T File, Butterworth (1991).

Transferable Skills:

Development of higher level cognitive skills including analysing and synthesising skills.
Development of higher level communicative skills.

This MSc module: Mechanical Conditioning Monitoring course is taught over one week and consists of intensive lectures, laboratories, seminars and case studies. A further 2 weeks is left for self study. The assessment consists of a final exam plus coursework, with a 70% and 30% weighting respectively.

The course is held at a Scottish University and is worth 15 credit points. It can be also be taken on its own merit as CPD (continuous professional development) or towards a PgC or PgD in Maintenance Management or as in most cases a MSc in Maintenance Management.

This MSc module: Mechanical Conditioning Monitoring course is suitable for students/delegates who possess at least a degree in a engineering discipline. A-1 Technical Training, logis-Tech Associates provide added tuitional support to all attendees in this module for a small fee.

The next in-take to the MSc in Maintenance Management is September 2005 - numbers are limited. For more details on the MSc in Maintenance Management, please complete the request for information form or email hugo@logis-tech.co.uk.