A Diagnostic Framework for Decoupling Multi-Source Vibrations in Complex Machinery: An Improved OTPA Application on a Combine Harvester Chassis
Source abstract
Abstract
Complex mechanical systems, such as agricultural combine harvesters, are subjected to dynamic excitations from multiple coupled sources, compromising structural integrity and operational reliability. Disentangling these vibrations to identify dominant sources and quantify their transmission paths remains a significant engineering challenge. This study proposes a robust diagnostic framework to address this issue. We employed a multi-condition vibration test with sequential source activation and an improved Operational Transfer Path Analysis (OTPA) method. Applied to a harvester chassis, the results revealed that vibration energy is predominantly concentrated in the 0–200 Hz frequency band. Path contribution analysis quantified that the “cutting header → conveyor trough → hydraulic cylinder → chassis frame” path is the most critical contributor to vertical vibration, with a vibration acceleration level of 117.6 dB. Further analysis identified the engine (29.3 Hz) as the primary source for vertical vibration, while lateral vibration was mainly attributed to a coupled resonance between the threshing cylinder (58 Hz) and the engine’s second-order harmonic. This study’s theoretical contribution lies in validating a powerful methodology for vibration source apportionment in complex systems. Practically, the findings provide direct, actionable insights for targeted structural optimization and vibration suppression.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Vehicle Noise and Vibration Control · Mechanical Engineering and Vibrations Research · Effects of Vibration on Health
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Key Laboratory Equipment of Modern Agricultural Equipment and Technology, Ministry of Education, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Funding
the Taizhou Science and Technology Support Programme (Agriculture) Project: Key Technology and Equipment for Efficient Harvesting of Pea Seedlings Growing in Disorder in the Field · the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province · the Key Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Equipment and Technology of Ministry of Education, Jiangsu University
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