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Full-scale test
Data from a Bell 206B-1 four-planet main rotor gearbox tested at the DSTG HTTF.
HUMS2027 Data Challenge
Detect and trend a difficult planet-bearing fault
The HUMS2027 Data Challenge uses selected data from a full-scale Bell 206B-1 helicopter main rotor gearbox endurance test conducted at DSTG's Helicopter Transmission Test Facility in 2004. One planet-bearing inner race developed extensive naturally occurring spalling damage. The data were not publicly available, and only a limited number of researchers had previously examined them.
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Natural damage
Extensive spalling developed naturally on the inner race of one planet bearing — no seeded or simulated fault.
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Open methods
Physics-based, signal-processing, data-driven, AI, hybrid — any approach is welcome.
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Clear objective
Demonstrate the earliest convincing detection and the most accurate trend of fault progression.
Why this is a challenging problem
A previous blind analysis applied order tracking, discrete/random signal separation, minimum entropy deconvolution, spectral kurtosis and cyclostationary analysis. That limited study did not identify the planet-bearing defect frequency or establish a convincing trend of damage progression. HUMS2027 now makes a curated dataset available to registered challenge participants so that the wider community can investigate the problem using current methods.
Meet the fault
The endurance test ran for 80.21 hours before it was stopped following exponential growth in cumulative wear-debris mass. Post-test inspection found extensive spalling on the inner raceway of one of the four planet bearings — the damage shown here.
View dataset details
Awards
Winner
AU$2,000
Cash prize and certificate.
Runner-up
AU$1,000
Cash prize and certificate.
Conference
Present your results
At least one team member attends HUMS2027 to present the team's work in person.
Important dates
Challenge schedule. Registration and dataset access are managed through the official DSTG Data Challenge page.
Dataset release
Registered teams receive access to the challenge data.
Registered teams receive access to the challenge data.
Registration closes
Last day for new teams to request dataset access.
Last day for new teams to request dataset access.
Results submissions open
The completed results template can be submitted from this date.
The completed results template can be submitted from this date.
Results submission deadline
Completed result summaries are due.
Completed result summaries are due.
Presentation slides due
Final slides are due ahead of HUMS2027, 22–24 February 2027.
Final slides are due ahead of HUMS2027, 22–24 February 2027.
Ready to take the challenge?
Registration, Terms and Conditions, dataset access and supporting documentation are available from the official Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) website.