Conventional methods (i.e. time, frequency and cepstrum) can routinely be used to revealfault-indicating information in the vibration signal. In recent years, wavelet analysis,which can lead to a clear identification of the nature of faults, is widely used todescribe rotating machine condition. The capability of this method in the detection of anyabnormality can be further improved when its low-order frequency moments are considered.This paper presents the use of the fast kurtogram in the early detection and conditionmonitoring of pitting fault. For this purpose, a dynamic model of a simple stage gearbox(with and without defects) is used. Then, the pinion’s vibration displacement is analyzedby using a fast kurtogram method. This method is suitable for such diagnosis and givesvaluable information about the presence and effects of the pitting tooth defect.
