Experimental Studies to Assess Surface Wear Using Grease Degradation, Bearing Temperature and Statistical Parameter of Vibration Signals in a Roller Bearing

Abstract

The aim of current study is to assess the surface wear of outer race of the roller bearing using degradation of grease and analysis of vibration signals. Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) is employed to observe degradation of grease with running hours. Temperature measurement is carried out for bearing using k type thermocouple. Kurtosis value is extracted from time domain signals captured to indicate progressive wear in the bearing. It is found in FTIR spectrum of 450 hours aged grease sample that an absorbance peak occurred around a wavelength of 1750 cm-1 which indicated the formation of oxidation products. Analysis of time domain signals revealed that kurtosis values increased for the bearing after 450 hours of run compared to that of healthy bearing. A maximum bearing temperature of 70°C occurred after 450 hours of run as depicted by temperature indicator. Further, SEM morphology of bearing surfaces illustrated wear tracks and ploughing marks as a result of wear with running hours.