Analyze bearing problems by ball path inspection

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States)

OSTI ID:7018880

El Sherif, A H ^[1]

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1. Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Co. (United Arab Emirates)

Failure analysis of a component, such as a rolling element bearing, requires collecting specific operating data nd a precise interpretation of the visual evidence of failure. Close examination of the contact surface of ball path, which the rolling elements inscribe on the inner and outer raceways of the bearing, can reveal conditions such as overloading, misalignment, or improper installation that shortens bearing life. Careful analysis of these ball paths greatly helps in pinpointing the cause of failure. The paper describes what causes a ball path, a normal ball path for rolling element bearings, a ball path due to rotor unbalance, ball paths due to axial overloading, distorted bearing housing effect on ball paths, and effect of radial bearing misalignment on ball path.

• OSTI ID: 7018880
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States), Vol. 73:4; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
BALL BEARINGS
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
ALIGNMENT
MATERIALS TESTING
MEASURING METHODS
RECOMMENDATIONS
BEARINGS
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
TESTING
420500* - Engineering- Materials Testing