Rolling contact fatigue and wear fundamentals for rolling bearing diagnostics - state of the art

TLDR

Rolling bearing performance is governed by friction, wear, lubrication, fluid dynamics, material properties, and contact mechanics, with surface degradation from plastic deformation, wear, and fatigue producing wear particles and vibration signatures. The study outlines connections between bearing diagnostics and tribological mechanisms. Rolling contact wear and fatigue can be diagnosed by integrating measured condition‑monitoring data with theoretical models, enabling continuous prognosis of remaining bearing life.

Abstract

Rolling bearing operation is affected by friction, wear and lubrication mechanisms, fluid dynamics and lubricant rheology, material properties, and contact mechanics. Changes in rolling surfaces occur due to plastic deformation, rolling contact wear, and rolling contact fatigue. Wear particles can be formed and mixed into the lubricant. Increased levels of vibrations due to surface degradation can be monitored by sensors. Rolling contact wear and rolling contact fatigue during rolling bearing operation can be diagnosed by combining measured and interpreted condition monitoring data with theory, and conclusions drawn thereof can support a continuous prognosis for the remaining bearing life. In the present work, connections between bearing diagnostics and tribological mechanisms are outlined.