Abstract
The extreme dynamic loading on bearings during transient operating conditions in wind turbine gearbox instigates white etching area (WEA) formation and abrupt premature cracking. Thus there is much interest in developing an appropriate condition monitoring system to predict premature bearing failures instead of destructive microstructure analysis. Recently, guided ultrasonic waves have been extensively used for health monitoring of engineering components. This feasibility study aims to detect subsurface WEA formation using ultrasonic surface (Rayleigh) waves. WEA is replicated from impact loading experiments at 2 GPa contact pressure, with loading frequency 4.5 Hz on AISI 52100 bearing steel balls by varying test durations. Rayleigh wave signatures of the ball were analysed before and after experiments to recognize microstructural changes and confirmed using destructive microstructural analyses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
