Determination of Time Span for the Appearance of Flutes on the Track Surface of Rolling-Element Bearings Under the Influence of Electric Current

Abstract

A theoretical approach is developed to determine the time span for the development of flutes after the appearance of slip bands on the track surface of rolling-element bearings operating under the influence of electric current. A theoretical model has been developed using the continuum theory of Griffith to determine the energy per unit area required for the development of corrugations after the appearance of slip bands on the track surfaces. Also, an expression is deduced for the net energy input per unit area on the track surfaces by the amount of electric current passed through the bearing at the measured shaft voltage in a given span of operation. By the formulation of pitch of corrugations derived using bearing dimensional and operational parameters, along with developed model and expressions, the time span for the development of corrugations has been determined. A similar time span has also been ascertained experimentally. Theoretical and experimental values of time span, thus determined, have been compared and found to match closely. The analysis can also be used for the determination of the shaft voltage or bearing current if the time for the formation of corrugation is known. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the World Tribology Congress in London, United Kingdom, September 8–12, 1997