Diagnostic Monitoring of Rolling-Element Bearings by High-Frequency Resonance Technique

In the present work, investigations by high-frequency resonance technique for diagnosis of defect frequencies of rolling-element bearings are reported. Raw vibration signature of the bearings at different speeds of operation has been demodulated. Envelope detected spectrum is analyzed to evaluate various defect frequencies and their energy levels. Experimentally evaluated frequencies are compared with theoretically determined defect frequencies. These frequency values and their energy levels are used to monitor intrinsic condition of bearings as well as to establish severity of existing/developed defects in the bearings. Relative comparison of bearings of the same type are made at various operating speeds under identical conditions of operation on the basis of identified defect frequencies and severity of defects.

The paper gives a realistic approach to monitor intrinsic condition of a bearing. Investigations given in the paper may have a potential for performance evaluation and may act as a reliable tool to establish safe limit for bearing operation. Investigations may serve as a quality control instrument for the earliest detection of even the smallest nature of defect existing in a bearing and may be used for “on-line” bearing condition monitoring as well as routine “quality control” instrument on the test bed for the diagnostic monitoring of rolling-element bearings.