Improvement of Railroad Roller Bearing Test Procedures and Development of Roller Bearing Diagnostic Techniques. Volume II: Dianostics

摘要

A comprehensive review of existing basic diagnostic techniques applicable to the railcar roller bearing defect and failure problem was made. Of the potentially feasible diagnostic techniques identified, high frequency vibration was selected for experimental evaluation because it showed the most promise for implementation over a wide range of railroad deployment location requirements (from certification laboratory to trackside) and because it showed promise of being cost-effective while still providing a great deal of quantitative information regarding bearing condition. Tests were conducted in the laboratory on new and known faulty bearings and in a railroad wheel shop on berings of unknown quality. A mathematical model was developed to perform cost-benefit analyses of railcar roller bearing diagnostic approaches and procedural innovations. Results of the cost-benefit analyses that were made set the ground rules for allowable diagnostic system costs.