Railcar Roller Bearing Failure Progression Tests

摘要

This report describes the laboratory endurance test of six railcar roller bearings that had previously suffered physical damage or were otherwise degraded as a result of actual railroad service. Two different onboard impending bearing failure sensors were also physically evaluated. The objectives of the tests were to obtain a better understanding of the railcar roller bearing failure process(es), the manner in which bearing defects progress, and the effectiveness of the impending failure warning devices. A 150 hour test with 26,250 pounds radial load (equivalent full car load) at 528 rpm (equivalent to approximately 52 mph) was planned for each bearing. Only one bearing actually failed to complete the 140 hour test. All bearings exhibited further measurable degradation of defect progression during the course of the tests. Neither warning device actually gave warning of the one failure experienced.