Model-based uneven loading condition monitoring of full ceramic ball bearings in starved lubrication

• Published in: Mechanical systems and signal processing Vol. 139; p. 106583
• Main Authors: Shi, H.T., Bai, X.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Amplitudes; Ball bearings; Computer simulation; Condition monitoring; Dynamic model; Dynamic models; Frequency analysis; Full ceramic ball bearing; Indicators; Lubrication; Maintenance; Peak frequency; Starved lubrication; Vibration analysis; Condition monitoring; Dynamic model; Starved lubrication; Full ceramic ball bearing
• ISSN: 0888-3270; 1096-1216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2019.106583

•The impact of loading conditions on the frequency components is obtained through the dynamic model.•The amplitudes of different peak frequencies are used as the indicator for loading conditions.•The loading conditions are proved to change with ball diameter tolerance and adjacent ball diameter difference.•The uneven loading conditions are monitored and evaluated through the comparison of the frequency components.
Considering the effect of ball diameter difference, the full ceramic ball bearings often run in uneven loading conditions in starved lubrication. The uneven loading condition leads to severe friction and wear, and is not conducive to the maintenance of bearing performance. This paper provides a monitoring method for the uneven loading conditions based on the dynamic model, and the monitoring is realized through model-based calculation, signal acquisition and condition recognition. The number of loaded balls is discussed based on the working conditions, and the contacts between balls and rings at different loading conditions are simulated for the derivation of characteristic frequencies. The vibration signals of the inner ring are analyzed in frequency domain, and the amplitudes of the peak frequencies are used as the indicators. Results show that the vibration intensity and uneven loading conditions are revealed by different amplitude indicators, and the loading condition changes with structural parameters of ball diameter tolerance and adjacent ball diameter differences. The monitoring results fit well with the theoretical prediction, and different uneven loading conditions are compared as well. This method provides foundations for the monitoring of bearing working state, and can help with the maintenance of bearing performance.