Method and system for characterizing wear damage on a rolling-element bearing

摘要

Methods and systems for characterizing and estimating the wear damage of a rolling-element bearing are provided. At least one geometric attribute, such as the length, of a damage feature (e.g., a spall cavity) on the rolling-element bearing is calculated based on a geometry of the rolling-element bearing. An accumulated mass of damage particles ejected from the rolling-element bearing during operation of the rolling-element bearing is determined. When the accumulated mass of the damage particles exceeds a predetermined threshold, an indication or a signal is generated. The predetermined threshold of the accumulated mass is based on the at least one geometric attribute of the damage feature. The calculation of the at least one geometric attribute may be based on, for example, a depth of the damage feature, a radius of the rolling elements in the bearing, a radius of an outer race of the bearing as measured from an inner surface thereof, and the number of rolling elements in the bearing.