MEMS accelerometers in diagnostics of the articulation of an articulated vehicle

Mateusz Szumilas , Sergiusz Łuczak , Błażej Kabziński

Abstract

An issue of diagnosing operation of the articulation of an articulated vehicle is addressed. The most vulnerable member of the articulation, and at the same time very costly, is the rolling bearing. Its radial plays should be constantly monitored in order to perform appropriate maintenance operations on time, and ensure passenger safety at a satisfactory level. The proposed diagnostic system employs two MEMS accelerometers. Results of the performed simulation studies prove that it is possible to detect axial plays of the bearing resulting in acceleration difference having the RMS value of ca. 1-5 mg, depending on the riding conditions.