Weak Signal Detection Method Based on the Coupled Lorenz System and Its Application in Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis

Rolling bearings are widely used in rotating machinery. Their fault feature signals are often submerged in strong noise and are difficult to identify. This paper presents a new method of bearing fault diagnosis that combines the coupled Lorenz system and power spectrum technology. The process is achieved in the following three steps. First, a synchronization system based on the Lorenz system is constructed using the driving-response method. Second, when the tested signal is connected to the driving end, the synchronization error between the two sub-chaotic systems is obtained. Finally, the power spectrum density of the synchronization error is calculated and compared with the corresponding fault characteristic frequency. The coupled Lorenz system makes full use of the noise immunity and nonlinear amplification of the chaotic system. The detection characteristics and feasibility of the new method are verified by simulation and actual measured vibration data. The result shows that the noise reduction effect of the coupled Lorenz system is obvious. This method can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the tested signal and provide a new way to perform fault diagnosis of rolling bearings.