Feature extraction and classification algorithm, which one is more essential? An experimental study on a specific task of vibration signal diagnosis

With the development of machine learning, a data-driven model has been widely used in vibration signal fault diagnosis. Most data-driven machine learning algorithms are built based on well-designed features, but feature extraction is usually required to be completed in advance. In the deep learning era, feature extraction and classifier learning are conducted simultaneously, which will lead to an end-to-end learning system. This paper explores which one of the two key factors, i.e., feature extraction and classification algorithm, is more essential for a specific task of vibration signal diagnosis during a learning system is generated. Feature extractions from vibration signal based on both well-known Gaussian model and statistical characteristics are discussed, respectively. And several classification algorithms are selected to experimentally validate the comparative impact of both feature extraction and classification algorithm on prediction performance.