Abstract: This invention provides the following: a diagnostic device that may, with a simple design, diagnose the condition of a wide area of a structure such as a pipe; and the like. The diagnostic device 100 has a determining means for determining the condition of the structure on the basis of the speed of sound therein.

Abstract: A monitoring method and monitoring apparatus for the remaining life of a bearing are provided. The monitoring method comprises: during the operation of a bearing, determining a position where a defect of the bearing is located, and determining a size of the defect (S10); according to the position where the defect is located and a set condition, determining a failure mode of the bearing as well as an expansion rate and a failure value of the defect in the failure mode (S20), the failure value being a maximum value that the defect can reach when the bearing fails; and based on the size, expansion rate and failure value of the defect, obtaining the remaining life of the bearing (S30). The monitoring method and monitoring apparatus determine the remaining service life of a bearing, so that maintenance personnel can arrange a maintenance plan and counter measures in advance.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a structure includes processing nondestructive inspection (NDI) data for a multi-layer structure to define areas of inconsistency at an internal layer or an interface between adjacent layers. The method includes mapping the areas of inconsistency to finite elements of a finite element model of a nominal of the structure. These finite elements are thereby identified as affected finite elements and include finite elements for the affected internal layer or interface. The method includes producing a reconstructed finite element model of the affected structure from the nominal finite element model, and a modified property or state value assigned to respective element datasets of the affected finite elements. The method includes performing a finite element method (FEM) failure analysis of the reconstructed finite element model under a load, which indicates an extent of residual integrity of the affected structure.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is equipped with a storage and obtains a remaining life time of the information processing apparatus, sets a minimum off/on time interval for a power supply of an equipped storage based on the obtained remaining life time of the information processing apparatus and a remaining number of times of power supply of the storage can be turned off/on, and controls so that a transition is made to a sleep mode in a state in which the minimum off/on time interval for the power supply of the storage that is set is ensured.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a technique for training a prognostic pattern-recognition system to detect incipient anomalies that arise during execution of a computer system. During operation, the system gathers and stores telemetry data obtained from n sensors in the computer system during operation of the computer system. Next, the system uses the telemetry data gathered from the n sensors to train a baseline model for the prognostic pattern-recognition system. The prognostic pattern-recognition system then uses the baseline model in a surveillance mode to detect incipient anomalies that arise during execution of the computer system. The system also uses the stored telemetry data to train a set of additional models, wherein each additional model is trained to operate with one or more missing sensors. Finally, the system stores the additional models to be used in place of the baseline model when one or more sensors fail in the computer system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. For this method to give the user qualitative and quantitative information about the wear, according to one embodiment of this invention, a position of at least one point of the chisel and/or the chisel holder is determined by a contactless measurement method and a corresponding measurement result is compared in a switching unit to a reference value stored in a memory device.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively determining the time (TNI) between (1) the application of this method and (2) the time at which the next out-of-service API 653 internal inspection of a steel, field-erected, aboveground storage tank (AST) containing petroleum/water products should be performed. These methods combine four in-service measurements of the thickness, integrity, and corrosion rate of the tank bottom with an empirical corrosion rate cumulative frequency distribution (CFD) for the tank of interest to develop a Bayesian tank bottom survival probability distribution to determine TNI. During this entire TNI time period, the risk of tank bottom failure is less than at the time these methods were applied. If available, the results of a previous out-of-service API 653 internal inspection are also used. These methods can be applied at any time while the tank is in-service to update the internal inspection interval previously determined in an out-of-service internal inspection of the tank.

Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for at least one dialysis machine (e.g. a peritoneal dialysis machine), wherein the monitoring system receives data from a dialysis machine to be monitored via a first data communication network, wherein the data are selected from a group comprising machine data, error codes, operational data, environmental data, consumables data, network data, treatment data, wherein the data received are stored in a manner which is specific to the respective peritoneal dialysis machine, wherein for each machine, at least individual components of the stored data are analyzed wherein, on the basis of the analysis, an action selected from informing a patient, informing a medical professional, informing service personnel, informing a quality management representative is carried out via a second data communication network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the wiping use of a wiper blade (14) pertaining to a wiper system (10) used to wipe a window pane (12) of a motor vehicle, with a view to replacing said wiper blade once it exceeds a determined wear threshold, the wiper blade carrier (16) being movable between a position of use, called a service position, and a maintenance position, said method being characterised in that it successively comprises: a step a) of acquiring at least one data element representing the presence of the wiper blade (14) in the maintenance position; a step b) of determining the replacement of the wiper blade with a new wiper blade; and a step (c) of estimating the wiping use of the new wiper blade.

Abstract: A technique facilitates formulation of predictions regarding the run life of a pumping system. Based on the predicted run life, and factors affecting that predicted run life, corrective actions may be selected and implemented. The corrective actions may involve adjustment of operational parameters regarding the pumping system so as to prolong the actual run life of the pumping system. The technique utilizes an algorithm which combines various models, e.g. physical models and degradation models, to provide various failure/run life predictions. The various models may utilize a variety of sensor data, such as actual sensor data and virtual sensor data, to both evaluate the state of the pumping system and the predicted run life of the pumping system.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a railway track a calculating plate cut and/or rail seat abrasion (RSA) based on rail head elevation and crosstie surface elevation measurements and an estimate of rail height.

Abstract: A method for detecting and determining a location of an overheat condition includes producing a narrowband optical signal with a laser source and optical pulse generator. The optical signal is sent into the optical fiber. A plurality of reflected optical signals is received. Reflection intensities are detected using a photodetector. The reflection intensities are compared with a triggering threshold. Response times of the reflected optical signals are recorded whenever the reflection intensity of the optical signals is greater than the triggering threshold. The narrowband optical signal is adjusted to another wavelength. An anomaly reflected optical signal is identified using a characteristic of the timings obtained through a range of wavelengths. The location of the overheat condition recorded response times is calculated. The location and existence of the overheat condition is communicated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a pattern in time series data representing an operation of a machine. A memory to store and provide a set of training data examples generated by a sensor of the machine, wherein each training data example represents an operation of the machine for a period of time ending with a failure of the machine. A processor configured to iteratively partition each training data example into a normal region and an abnormal region, determine a predictive pattern absent from the normal regions and present in each abnormal region only once, and determine a length of the abnormal region. Outputting the predictive pattern via an output interface in communication with the processor or storing the predictive pattern in memory, wherein the predictive pattern is a predictive estimate of an impending failure and assists in management of the machine.

Abstract: A tool-life determination device includes: a test-workpiece supporter having a cutting tool attached thereto, rotating the cutting tool, and supporting a test workpiece disposed in a processable range of the cutting tool of a working machine that performs a process while changing a relative position between the cutting tool and a workpiece; a load sensor disposed between the test-workpiece supporter and a base of the working machine fixed to an installation surface and detecting a load applied to the test workpiece; a storage unit storing a load pattern acting on the test workpiece and detected by the load sensor when the test workpiece is processed using a new cutting tool; and a determination unit determining an abrasion status of the cutting tool by comparing the load pattern with the load acting on the test workpiece at an appropriate timing during an actual process performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: The life estimation system is a life estimation system that estimates a life of the reduction gear including a reduction mechanism. The life estimation system includes a sensor that is to be mounted onto the reduction gear and detects information for identifying a stress generated in a specific part of the reduction gear, and an estimating unit that identifies the stress generated in the specific part based on detection information obtained by the sensor and estimates the life of the specific part based on the identified stress.

Abstract: A lighting system (100; 120) comprises at least one lamp (10) and a processing unit (20) for estimating an end-of-life of the at least one lamp (10). The processing unit (20) is configured to receive a lamp burning time during which the at least one lamp is turned on and a forecasted temperature over a selected period of time at a location of the at least one lamp. The processing unit (20) is configured to estimate the end of life of the at least one lamp based on the lamp burning time and the forecasted temperature. By using the forecasted temperature, use of dedicated lamp sensors measuring internal parameters of the lamp usable for the end-of-life estimate may be avoided and the estimate may be simplified.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for analyzing chip card transactions to identify defective chip cards and/or defective chip readers in need of replacement. Constraints are established to define a subset of card transactions. From a full set of card transactions the subset is identified consisting of each card transaction falling within the constraints and occurring at a merchant having a chip reader. From this subset the unique chip cards are identified, and for each unique chip card a percentage of fallback transactions is calculated. The percentage of fallback transactions is compared to a maximum value, and if the percentage of fallback transactions exceeds the maximum value, the chip card is identified as defective. Each defective chip card is reported to the card issuer, along with at least a recommendation to replace the defective chip card. A similar process may be used to identify defective chip readers of particular merchants.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing performance degradation of a machine element includes an AE sensor that generates an AE waveform signal; a vibration sensor that generates an acceleration signal; a signal processing unit including an AE signal processing system that performs predetermined signal processing on the plurality of AE waveform signals, a vibration signal processing system that performs predetermined signal processing on the acceleration signal, and a switching parameter generating section that generates a predetermined numeric parameter to switch a measuring mode from the AE method to the vibration method; and controlling unit that selects a result of the processing in performed by the AE signal processing system at the initial stage and selects, after the numeric parameter successively turns from increasing to decreasing, a result of the processing by the vibration signal processing system.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a railway track. The system preferably includes: a processor; at least one sensor oriented to capture data of the railway track; a data storage device in electronic communication with the processor; and computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium in communication with the processor operable to: determine an elevation of a surface of a rail head of a rail located on the railway track based on a distance to the rail head from the at least one sensor, determine an elevation of a surface of a crosstie of the railway track based on a distance to a top surface of the crosstie from the at least one sensor, estimate a total rail height and underlying rail support, and calculate a crosstie wear value based on the determined rail head surface elevation, crosstie surface elevation, and estimated total rail height and underlying rail support.

Abstract: A method includes receiving three-dimensional (3D) measurement data based on a measurement of a first used component of a particular component type. The method also includes performing a comparison of the 3D measurement data to in-service tolerances associated with the particular component type, the in-service tolerances determined based on a measurement of at least a second used component of the particular component type and an evaluation of structural characteristics of the second used component. The method further includes generating, based on the comparison, an output indicating whether the first used component is acceptable for reuse.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to 3-dimensional Hall sensor devices comprising a Hall sensor element having a Hall effect region implemented in a 3-dimensional shell and comprising at least three terminals. Each terminal is connected to at least one electrical contact of the Hall effect region and each electrical contact is disposed at a different region of the 3-dimensional shell. The present disclosure further discloses spinning current/voltage schemes for offset cancellation in such 3-dimensional Hall sensor devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assessing health of fracturing fluid pump assemblies and other wellsite equipment. For example, predicted data indicative of a first operational parameter of a pump assembly is generated utilizing: a model relating the first operational parameter to each of a plurality of second operational parameters of the pump assembly; and real-time data indicative of each of the second operational parameters. Health of the pump assembly is then assessed based on: the predicted data indicative of the first operational parameter; and real-time data indicative of the first operational parameter.

Abstract: The method(s) and system(s) for implementing extensibility of computational design and modelling of subject area on a computational platform in respect of a new subject in a subject area through a modelling schema includes populating the new subject in the model repository as data elements corresponding to the domain entity model of the domain entity meta model. The method includes generating a subject integration layer and a subject information interaction layer from the populated subject data elements and generating GUI screens for user interactions from the populated subject data elements. The method, further, includes integrating user determined external simulation tools with the computational platform by mapping the user determined external simulation tool parameters to the subject data elements. Subsequently, the method includes generating simulation tool adapters from said mapping to achieve said integration.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.

Abstract: Thermal degradation monitoring systems and methods determine at least one operating parameter of equipment that defines prior usage of the equipment, determine at least one thermal characteristic of the equipment using one or more thermal imaging cameras, determine whether both the at least one operating parameter and the at least one thermal characteristic indicate thermal degradation of the equipment, and implement one or more remedial actions on the equipment to change a state of the equipment in response to determining that the at least one operating parameter and the at least one thermal characteristic indicate thermal degradation of the equipment.

Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for predicting remaining useful lifetime of a bearing of an electric podded azimuth thruster. A method is performed by a controller. The method includes obtaining operational conditions of the bearing. The method includes predicting the remaining useful lifetime of the bearing using the operational conditions. The lifetime of the bearing is divided in three separate phases. The remaining useful lifetime of the bearing is predicted differently in the three separate phases.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a structure includes processing nondestructive inspection (NDI) data for a multi-layer structure to define areas of inconsistency at an internal layer or an interface between adjacent layers. The method includes mapping the areas of inconsistency to finite elements of a finite element model of a nominal of the structure. These finite elements are thereby identified as affected finite elements and include finite elements for the affected internal layer or interface. The method includes producing a reconstructed finite element model of the affected structure from the nominal finite element model, and a modified property or state value assigned to respective element datasets of the affected finite elements. The method includes performing a finite element method (FEM) failure analysis of the reconstructed finite element model under a load, which indicates an extent of residual integrity of the affected structure.

Abstract: A method of monitoring usage of a component of an aircraft can include: monitoring a usage of the component by using a torque measurement system to calculate torque events in a time period; categorizing the usage of the component by assigning a usage value based upon whether the number of torque events in the period of time is above or below a threshold; and determining a life used of the component.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a model in a wind tunnel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors attached to a model in a wind tunnel. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an attribute of the model. The system also includes a computing device in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computing device is programmed to receive a plurality of signals from the plurality of sensors, store a first threshold and a second threshold based on normalized alarm limits associated with at least one of the plurality of sensors, analyze the plurality of signals based, at least in part, on the first threshold and the second threshold, determine that a potentially negative condition is occurring based on the analysis, and alert a user to the potentially negative condition.

Abstract: A multi-engine power system is described that includes at least a first engine and a second engine configured to jointly provided mechanical power to the multi-engine power system. The multi-engine power system further includes a controller configured to estimate a deterioration factor of the first engine. The controller is further configured to adjust, based on the deterioration factor of the first engine, a first amount of mechanical power being provided by the first engine to increase a service time of the first engine, and adjust, based on the first amount of mechanical power being provided by the first engine, a second amount of mechanical power being provided by the second engine to compensate for the adjustment to the first amount of mechanical power.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving a plurality of first inputs from a transducer, where the plurality of first inputs correspond to vibrations of a rotational machine, and filtering the plurality of first inputs to derive a frequency of interest. The system and method then generates a sinusoidal signal at the frequency of interest and a pulse train of one or multiple pulses per revolution at the frequency of interest from the sinusoidal signal. The system and method further identifies a first pulse at a zero crossing within the pulse train and counts zero crossings to define blocks of data for use in time synchronous averaging calculations.

Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of at least one circuit in a vehicle, the at least one circuit including a first circuit configured for carrying a first signal within the vehicle, and (ii) symbol data associated with at least one symbol, the at least one symbol including a first symbol. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the at least one symbol. The CCS then receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively receives, from the vehicle, data representing value(s) of the first signal. The CCS then determines a first display-location at which to display the data representing the value(s) of the first signal. While the image and the at least one symbol are displayed, the CCS then displays, at the first display-location, the data representing the value(s) of the first signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a gas turbine engine having a constrained model based control (CMBC) system. The method including obtaining information about a current and previous states of the engine, updating model data information in the CMBC and a parameter estimation system based on the obtained information, and identifying trends in the data based on the information. The method also includes diagnosing the engine, based on the identified trends, determining at least one of a new constraint, objective, initial condition, model characteristic, prediction horizon, and control horizon for the control system based on the diagnosing step if the diagnosing step identified a fault condition, and adapting the CMBC system based on the at least one new constraint, objective, initial condition, model characteristic, prediction and control horizon. The method further includes generating at least on control command based on the adapting and commanding an actuator based on the control command.

Abstract: In a drum housing for a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine, said working drum being provided with tools and rotating about a drum axis, with a housing shell which at least partially encloses the circumference of the working drum, and with at least one inspection opening for a monitoring device arranged in the housing shell, wherein said monitoring device inspects the condition of the working drum or the tools thereof, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a closing mechanism is arranged on the outside of the housing shell, said closing mechanism enabling closure of the at least one inspection opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting structural damage in a component. An ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) device scans the component along a monitoring path to generate a monitoring UGW measurement and along a reference path to generate a reference UGW measurement. A database has a plurality of database reference UGW measurements each corresponding to a database monitoring UGW measurement. A damage detection module searches the database for the database reference UGW measurement that matches the reference UGW measurement. When a match is found, the damage detection module obtains the database monitoring UGW measurement corresponding to the matched database reference UGW measurement, compares the monitoring UGW measurement with the database monitoring UGW measurement, and identifies damage to the component based on the comparison. When the match is not found, the damage detection module updates the database with the reference UGW measurement and the monitoring UGW measurement.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving future reliability prediction of a measurable system by receiving operational and performance data, such as maintenance expense data, first principle data, and asset reliability data via an input interface associated with the measurable system. A plurality of category values may be generated that categorizes the maintenance expense data by a designated interval using a maintenance standard that is generated from one or more comparative analysis models associated with the measureable system. The estimated future reliability of the measurable system is determined based on the asset reliability data and the plurality of category values and the results of the future reliability are displayed on an output interface.

Abstract: Techniques for detailed monitoring and evaluation of individual subsystems within solar photovoltaic power generation systems are provided. In one aspect, a method for monitoring a photovoltaic system having at least one array of photovoltaic panels and at least one inverter system configured to convert output from the panels from DC to AC includes the steps of: obtaining sensor data from the photovoltaic system; computing an efficiency of the panels and an efficiency of the inverter system using the sensor data; computing an aging parameter for the panels using the efficiency of the panels; computing an aging parameter for the inverter system using the efficiency of the inverter system; determining whether the aging parameter for the panels or for the inverter system exceeds a predetermined threshold level; and taking action if either the aging parameter for the array or for the inverter system exceeds the predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: A control system having one or more controllers configured to determine a maintenance date of an engine based on monitored parameters of the engine of an aircraft. The one or more controllers also are configured to, determine an amount of coating sprayed on the engine on the determined maintenance date based on the monitored parameters and determined maintenance date. The one or more controllers also are configured to adjust the maintenance date based on needs of an aircraft fleet and regularly scheduled maintenance of the engine.

Abstract: An A/D converter converts an output from a temperature sensor into a digital signal. A service life diagnostic unit diagnoses a service life of a power module based on a signal indicating a temperature outputted from the A/D converter. An output unit generates a signal representing a diagnostic result and outputs the generated signal from an output terminal to outside.

Abstract: Disclosed subject matter relates to data analytics including a method and system for generating a contextual summary of one or more charts. A summary generating system extracts chart data associated with each chart received from one or more sources and determines context of the chart data. The summary generating system computes statistical data of each chart by analyzing chart data based on predefined rules corresponding to the context. The form of analysis to be performed depends on the context of the chart data. Furthermore, insights of each chart are generated by mapping the statistical data with predefined narratives corresponding to the context. Finally, the summary generating system, automatically generates the contextual summary of the charts corresponding to the context of the chart data in a predefined template format using the generated insights of each of the one or more charts. The contextual summary provides holistic information of the interpreted charts.

Abstract: A disposition manager configured to identify a damaged component of a damaged assembly by determining a measured first property value of a set of measured property values associated with the damaged component and obtained by a sensor is not within a range of acceptable first property values according to a specification of the damaged component. The disposition manager further configured to estimate a performance characteristic of the damaged component and a salvage value of the damaged component. The disposition manager further configured to present, to a user interface, the performance characteristic and the salvage value for the damaged component.

Abstract: A flight control system includes a pilot control module configured to receive commands from a pilot, a flight control module operable to transmit an instruction to change at least one operating condition of an aircraft, and a flight control computer in communication between the flight control module and the pilot control module. The flight control computer is configured to receive a pilot command to change a first flight characteristic, wherein changing the first flight characteristic would result in an expected change to a second flight characteristic. The flight control computer may instruct the flight control module to transmit an instruction to change a first operating condition of the aircraft and instruct the flight control module to transmit an instruction to change a second operating condition of the aircraft to at least partially offset the expected change to the second flight characteristic.

Abstract: A first set of data is received relating to the operation of a first mechanical part. A plurality of steady state conditions for the first set of operational data is determined. A load history is determined for the first mechanical part based on the plurality of determined steady states and the first set of operational data. One of a plurality of predefined life consumption calculation models is selected based on a type of the first mechanical part and a position of a critical area at the first mechanical part. A level of life consumption for the critical area of the first mechanical part is determined based on the selected life consumption calculation model and the determined load history.

Abstract: An online system estimates a lift in foot traffic at a store in response to an advertisement campaign at the online system. The online system identifies a physical location for the store and obtains location data for a base group of users and a lifted group of users, where the lifted group of users receives advertisements associated with the store and the base group of users does not. The online system computes a distance between the location of the store and the user's location to create a base distance array for the base group and a lifted distance array for the lifted group. The online system then determines an aggregate value that represents a measure of a number of users visiting the store for each of the base distance array and the lifted distance array, and estimates a lift in foot traffic by comparing the two aggregate values.

Abstract: A diagnostic result display method in a diagnostic device calculates a diagnostic result by a determination of a predetermined state and a certainty factor of the determination. The diagnostic result display method includes setting preset predetermined colors to predetermined states, setting a preset area of a geometric shape according to certainty factors, and displaying the area of the geometric shape in at least one of the predetermined colors.

Abstract: An example system may include a computing device including a finite element analysis module solving for a finite element model representing a component including a metal or an alloy and including a plurality of respective elements. The finite element analysis module may solve a respective stress St and a respective temperature Tt at each respective element during the predetermined cooling operating. The finite element analysis module may determine a respective impact energy ET based on the temperature Tt and cooling rate, using a predetermined cooling rate-dependent energy relationship that relates a temperature of the metal or the alloy to an impact energy, determine a respective weakness index Wt=[A×ET/St]n (A being a predetermined constant, n being a predetermined real number greater than or equal to 1), and identify a respective element having a minimum weakness index less than a predetermined weakness index threshold as a cracking-prone element.

Abstract: Methods and systems have been proposed to estimate the remaining lifetime of an electronic integrated circuit that incorporates error-correcting code memory by using the failed memory bits as an indicator for the remaining lifetime of the circuit. The number of failed memory bits correlates with the remaining lifetime of the circuit, but varies as a function of wearout mechanism and use conditions. The methodology incorporates algorithms and test patterns to diagnose the cause of memory cell failure. By linking the failed bits to the wearout mechanism and by using lifetime simulation, the remaining lifetime of the circuit is estimated.

Abstract: An age monitoring arrangement includes a sensor, a calculation component, and a timer. The sensor is configured to generate one or more measurements of an environmental property. The calculation component is configured to generate a virtual age and identify an occurrence of an event based on the one or more measurements and a clock using an aging module. The timer is configured to generate the clock.

Abstract: A method of detecting defects in a rolling bearing (10). The method includes acquiring a time-domain vibration signal An; filtering said time-domain vibration signal An; and then resolving it to obtain a deterministic time-domain vibration signal Fn and a random time-domain vibration signal Gn. Thereafter, the time-domain vibration signals Fn and Gn are transformed respectively into a deterministic frequency-domain vibration signal Jn and into a random frequency-domain vibration signal Kn, and then, for each element (11, 12, 13) and for each frequency-domain vibration signal Jn, Kn, a defect-presence frequency {circumflex over (?)} is determined corresponding to a maximum probability of the presence of a defect in said element (11, 12, 13) and to an associated reliability level p({circumflex over (?)}).