Fault Identification in Roller Bearing Using Vibration Signature Analysis

Abstract

Rolling element bearings are extensively used in most of the rotating machines to support static/dynamic loads. Their performance is utmost important in power stations, chemical plants, automotive industries, aerospace turbo machinery and process industries that require precise and efficient performance. These bearings can take up both radial and axial loads for most of the applications. They have a great influence on the dynamic behaviour of the rotating machines and act as a source of vibration and noise in these systems. There is a critical need to increase reliability and performance of rolling element bearings to prevent catastrophic failure of the machinery. The present study, identify the effects of localized defect like spall on amplitude of vibration using RSM. The combination effects of these defects on the taper roller bearings are also focused which is not done in most of the studies. This work attempts to analyze vibration responses of a horizontal rotor supported on taper roller bearings. Experimental study of a rotor bearing system has been carried out to obtain the vibration response due to localized defects such as spall on outer race, inner race and roller. Vibration responses obtained show that the every defect excites the system at its characteristic frequency. Response surface methodology also shows that the severe vibration (Max. peak of vibration excitation) occurs in case of bearing with outer race defect. Also interaction of outer and inner race defect produces severe vibrations. Defect in roller has less effect on amplitude of vibration