Self-repairing effect of few Si3N4 balls used as rolling elements to enhance the performance of bearings operating under contaminated lubrication conditions

Abstract

The performance of the rolling element bearings operated at contaminated lubricant environment was simulated and analyzed in this research work. Artificial surface pits were created on the rolling element bearing inner track contact surface to simulate the effects of solid particle contaminants. The rolling element bearing consists of two Si3N4 balls in compliment with regular steel balls has completed the defined test cycles. The Post-test surface analysis confirmed that the Si3N4 balls had deformed the stress risers. The ball-on-disc experiment was conducted to simulate the repair mechanism produced by Si3N4 balls. The Finite element method was utilized to understand the failure mechanism of the bearing. The higher stress concentration was observed at the edges of the artificial pits.