Abstract
In this paper, the authors introduce an experimental procedure for predicting the fatigue life of each individual rolling element bearing separately using vibration modal analysis. The experimental procedure was developed based on a statistical analysis. A statistical analysis was performed to find an empirical model that correlates the dynamic load capacity of rolling bearings to their dynamic characteristics (Natural frequencies and damping). These dynamic characteristics are obtained from the frequency response function of each individual bearing that results from vibration modal analysis. A modified formula to the already known Lundberg-Palmgren life formula is proposed for rolling element bearings. Given the modified formula, one can predict the fatigue life of each individual rolling element bearing based on its dynamic characteristics. The paper compares the results from the modified formula with those from Lundberg-Palmgren formula. The modified formula provides an accurate prediction for the fatigue life of each individual bearing based on its dynamic characteristics. The experimental validation of the modified formula is considered for future work. Therefore, it can be used in various applications of rolling element bearings in machinery systems.
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Mostafa Yakout is a Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University, specializing in design and manufacturing engineering. He received his B.Sc. in Production Engineering from Alexandria University, 2010. He received his M.Sc. from the same university in 2013. He is a member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and International Institute of Acoustics and Vibrations (IIAV).
Ahmed Elkhatib is a Professor of Machine Dynamics and Diagnostics at the Production Engineering Department in Alexandria University, Egypt. He graduated from the same department in June 1963. He was an Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, Professor Emeritus at the same department since 1963 till now. His research interests include rolling element bearing life prediction, vibration modal analysis, and reliability.
Mohamed G. A. Nassef is an Assistant Professor in the Production Engineering Department in Alexandria University, Egypt. He graduated from the same department in June 2005. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2013 at Bremen University in the field of machine tool dynamics. Since then he has been an Assistant Professor at Alexandria University. His research interests include machine tool dynamics, machinery condition monitoring, and modal analysis applications.
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Yakout, M., Elkhatib, A. & Nassef, M.G.A. Rolling element bearings absolute life prediction using modal analysis. J Mech Sci Technol 32, 91–99 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1210-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1210-1