Vibration of Rolling Bearings
Rolling bearings are among the most commonly used components in modern industry. They are used in a vast array of industrial applications, ranging from small household appliances to heavy industrial machinery, industrial motors and automotive drivetrains. However, due to their complex anatomy and operation, rolling bearings are also often prone to vibration and noise anomalies. By understanding the sources and symptoms of bearing vibration, maintenance engineers and technicians can quickly identify and diagnose bearing fault conditions to avoid costly downtime and bearing failures in their critical machinery.
Rolling bearings are used to support, guide and transmit forces between two objects. These bearings are used to reduce friction between adjacent components, allowing them to move in a predetermined direction. The fundamental design includes two stationary outer rings, called the inner and outer races, and several rows of freely rotating rolling elements, or balls, which are held in place by the races. The rolling elements transmit forces between the inner and outer rings as they roll along them. This design allows the rolling elements to support both radial and axial loads, making them ideal for use in a broad range of industrial applications.
As the machines and components containing these bearings run, the bearings and their components are subjected to the various forces resulting from operating conditions. In addition, these forces can cause the bearing components to vibrate, producing abnormal noises. Vibrations of this type can damage the bearings and the construction of the surrounding components, leading to catastrophic failures and significant damage to the equipment.
There are numerous causes of bearing vibration, but they generally fall into three distinct categories: resonance, misalignment, and lubrication issues. Resonance occurs when the main frequency components of a vibratory signal match the natural frequencies of the bearing. This can cause the bearing to vibrate excessively and become overly stressed. Misalignment, on the other hand, occurs when the bearing is not precisely aligned within the system. This can cause uneven forces to be applied, leading to high levels of vibration. Lastly, improper lubrication can cause wear and tear on bearing components and reduce the efficiency of the bearing.
Unusual vibration and noise coming from the bearings is an indication that the bearing is malfunctioning. This often indicates that there is a problem with the alignment, lubrication, or resonance characteristics of the bearing system. If the cause of vibration is misalignment, further investigation may be required to determine the exact nature of the misalignment. If the issue is resonance, tuning adjustments must be made to the machine to reduce vibration. Lastly, if the issue is lubrication, then it must be addressed to protect the bearing components from further damage.
In each of these cases, it is important to undertake the necessary steps to identify and address the underlying cause of the vibration. Investing in the right technologies, such as vibration monitoring systems, can help identify and address bearing faults before they lead to costly downtime and catastrophic bearing failure. Taking the time to develop a robust bearing maintenance program, establishing regular inspections, and employing the right techniques for bearing lubrication can go a long way in preventing bearing and equipment damage due to vibration and noise problems.
