Condition monitoring of slow-speed rolling element bearings using stress waves

摘要

Condition monitoring of rolling element bearings through the use of vibrationanalysis is an established technique for detecting early stages of componentdegradation. However, this success is not mirrored at rotational speeds below16r/min. At such speeds the energy generated from bearing defects might not showas an obvious change in signature and thus becomes undetectable usingconventional vibration measuring equipment. This paper presents an investigationinto the applicability of stress wave analysis for detecting early stages ofbearing damage at a rotational speed of 1.12r/min (0.0187 Hz). Furthermore, itreviews work undertaken in monitoring bearings rotating at speeds below 16r/min.