The Calculation of Bearing Life
In order to accurately calculate the life span of bearing, one must first understand what a bearing is and what forces can cause it to wear out prematurely. A bearing is a device which supports and locates a rotating shaft in a predetermined position in relation to a stationary housing. The load, vibration, temperature, and speed all affect the bearing’s life span. The calculation of bearing life is a complex, multi-variable process, with many factors and components that must be taken into account.
Load is the primary factor when calculating bearing life. It refers to the amount of pressure or strain placed on the bearing. Different types of loads can cause the bearing to wear out at different rates. For example, a radial load is one that acts along the main axis of the bearing, while an axial load is one that acts in a direction parallel to the axis. In addition, dynamic loads, which change the direction of force and the frequency of that force, can result in lower bearing life expectancy.
Vibrations are another factor in calculating bearing life. While small amounts of vibration can be beneficial, too much vibration can cause excessive wear on the bearing and significantly reduce bearing life. Vibrations can be caused by factors such as misalignment of the parts, imbalance of rotating components, and resonance among rotational elements.
Temperature is also an important factor when calculating bearing life. Generally, when the temperature of the bearing increases, the bearing life decreases. This occurs because increased temperature causes increased friction, which in turn causes higher rates of wear and tear. Simply put, the higher the temperature, the faster the bearing will wear out.
The speed of the bearing is another factor in calculating bearing life. When the speed of a bearing increases, the temperature also increases. This increase in temperature leads to an increase in friction and subsequently, an increase in wear. As a result, faster revolutions of the bearing can result in a decrease in bearing life.
In addition to the four primary factors in calculating bearing life, other factors must be taken into consideration. These include bearing design, lubrication type, quality of the bearing materials, and installation procedures. All of these components play an important role in the longevity of a bearing and must be accounted for in order to accurately calculate a bearing’s life expectancy.
Calculating the life expectancy of a bearing is a complex process, with many factors playing a role. Load, vibration, temperature, and speed all have an effect on bearing life, as do other factors such as bearing design, lubrication type, materials quality, and installation procedures. Accurate calculations of bearing life must take all of these factors into consideration in order to determine the expected life expectancy of a bearing.
