In which condition would you most likely use high-frequency vibration analysis?

High-frequency vibration analysis is particularly effective in detecting fault conditions in rolling element bearings because issues in these components often present themselves as high-frequency vibrations. When a bearing starts to show signs of wear, damage, or any anomalies, the resulting vibrations tend to be at higher frequencies due to the rapid movement and impact of the rolling elements against the raceways. Analyzing these higher frequencies allows for better identification of specific faults, such as spalling, misalignment, or imbalance, often much earlier than other monitoring techniques.

In contrast, monitoring steady-state operation, assessing overall machine health, and measuring low-frequency disturbances typically involve different frequency ranges and analytical approaches. Steady-state operation often focuses on lower frequencies to evaluate normal operational characteristics, while overall machine health assessments may use a broader range of frequencies depending on the types of machinery and the issues being monitored. Low-frequency disturbances generally relate to larger mechanical issues or environmental factors, rather than the high-frequency signals needed to identify rolling element bearing faults.