A method for predicting or detecting an event in turbomachinery includes the steps of obtaining operational data from at least one machine and at least one peer machine. The operational data comprises a plurality of performance metrics. A genetic algorithm (GA) analyzes the operational data, and generates a plurality of clauses, which are used to characterize the operational data. The clauses are evaluated as being either "true" or "false". A fitness function identifies a fitness value for each of the clauses. A perturbation is applied to selected clauses to create additional clauses, which are then added to the clauses group. The steps of applying a fitness function, selecting a plurality of clauses, and applying a perturbation can be repeated until a predetermined fitness value is reached. The selected clauses are then applied to the operational data from the machine to detect or predict a past, present or future event.