Bearing fatigue life testing
Fatigue life analysis is an important part of bearing reliability analysis. It is the basis for estimating bearing fatigue life and analyzing bearing failure causes. As the traditional rolling bearing reliability test is a destructive test, it is difficult and time-consuming, and the cost is high. Therefore, the fatigue life prediction of rolling bearings has been studied in the past.
The main purpose of the fatigue life test is to study the relationship between the operating environment, the load characteristics of bearing and the fatigue life, and find the best working condition of bearing. The test can be divided into three main parts: the first part is the preparation and condition setting of the test specimen; the second part is the fatigue test itself, which includes the complete test procedure of the loading, unloading and endurance; the third part is the analysis and evaluation of the fatigue test results.
First, the test sample shall be prepared according to the test requirements. Generally, the test sample is a special bearing designed for fatigue life test, which is not allowed to be used in the actual bearing assembly. After forming, the sample must be carefully observed, assembled and cleaned according to the specified requirements.
Second, the test shall be carried out according to the test rules specified in the relevant standards. Generally, the fatigue test for bearings is performed by computer simulation on the load’s frequency, amplitude, load cycle, etc. The speed, load, stress and other factors are tested by the test machine, and the dynamic signal or virtual curve of the bearing test is recorded by the test data acquisition system.
Third, the fatigue test results are analyzed and evaluated: through the measured data and the test curve, the bearing fatigue life and the influence of bearing operating parameters can be obtained. Generally, the test results are evaluated according to the failure point or the fatigue life of the bearing; or according to the failure mechanism, the effect of bearing operating parameters on the bearing fatigue life is studied.
Fatigue life testing of bearings is an important part of bearing design and evaluation. Good testing results can help to understand the working condition of the bearing and the bearing failure mechanism, and to make the structure and design of bearing meet the actual requirements. Therefore, the fatigue life test should be carried out in strict accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.
