A novel method for diagnosing rolling bearing surface damage by electric impedance analysis. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, G.; Becker, Florian Michael; Kirchner, E.
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 170(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Rolling bearing -- Condition monitoring -- Elastohydrodynamic lubrication -- Pitting; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2022.107503
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a novel condition monitoring method for rolling bearings, based on measuring the electric bearing impedance. The method can diagnose the presence of damage by frequency-domain analysis, and its extension along the raceway by time-domain analysis. The latter enables the assessment of the severity and the progression of bearing damage. A fatigue test shows that the occurrence of pittings in the bearing raceways causes characteristic peaks in the impedance signal, and that the duration of the peaks increases during damage progression. A second test series with artificial damage shows that the duration of the peaks depends on the bearing load and the length of the damage along the raceway and confirms the explanation hypothesis. Highlights: Pitting damage in ball bearings causes characteristic peaks in the impedance signal. The localization of the peak on inner race, outer race or rolling element can be diagnosed by frequency analysis. The extension of the damage along the raceway can be diagnosed by time-domain analysis The method is capable of tracking damage progression