Detecting Loading of Roller Element Bearings Using a Fiber Optic Strain Sensor

摘要

The loading on a roller element bearing results in a strain field developed in the housing of the bearing which is highest withinrnclose proximity of the outer race. By placing a sensor with a high enough sensitivity, information regarding the loading of thernbearing can be obtained. The loads acting on the bearing strongly dictate its life expectancy since expected life is a cubicrnfunction of the loading experienced by the bearing. The fiber optic sensor tested, based on the Fiber-Fabry PerotrnInterferometer (FFPI), and has the sensitivity to respond to the strain field developed within the loaded region of the housing,rnat close proximity to the outer race.rnTests are conducted with a light, belt-driven, rotor supported by radial ball bearings. Most traditional sensors that are availablerndo not provide information on load, but rather on vibratory motion. Additionally, these sensors typically do not providerninformation at very low (<100 rpm) speeds. The FFPI sensor does have the ability to provide information on the loading of thernbearing at very low speeds, as well as at operating speeds.