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Bearing Prognostics Simulator


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Innovative Platform for Bearing Prognostic Research

SpectraQuest introduces an innovative Bearing Prognostics Simulator (BPS) for conducting a fundamental research in bearing wear and in modeling bearing damage evolution process. An outstanding feature of the BPS is the inclusion of SpectraQuest’s proprietary transducers for measuring bearing friction torque and transverse and axial loads applied to the bearing. The BPS can be driven in three software selectable modes
  1. a constant rotational speed
  2. purely oscillatory motion, and
  3. oscillatory excitation superimposed on rotation
Experiments can be performed on rolling element bearing, pressurized fluid lubricated bearings, and the grease lubricated bearings. The friction torque and the load transducers provide unique data, previously not available, for understanding bearing prognostics signature and modeling bearing failure mechanisms. The BPS provides an opportunity to develop a predictive model of bearing remaining life based on routine condition monitoring measurement. The torque transducer is sensitive enough to measure the small frictional torque bearing resistance under several thousand pounds of transverse/axial load. The BPS can also be obtained with fluid film lubricated support bearings for minimizing extraneous noise. A higher rotational speed and loading versions are also available.

A Smart Design for Performing Accelerated Run-to-Failure Tests

Bearings are critical for operation of rotating machinery. Unexpected bearing failures are costly; resulting in downtime, production loss, and irreversible damage to the machinery. Most condition monitoring programs routinely measure bearing vibration and perform signature analysis to assess its health, which are trended to assess severity of the damage. This assessment is strictly based on historical data and/or statistical analysis resulting in miscalls and/or premature replacement of a good bearing and loss of production. To date a prognostics model of bearing health has been elusive, probably due a lack of accelerated run-to-failure test-rig and transducers for measurement of key parameters. SpectraQuest’s BPS addresses both of these deficiencies.

Benefits

  • Conduct fundamental research in bearing wear evolution
  • Develop model for damage propagation mechanisms of rolling element bearings, pressurized fluid film bearings, and the grease lubricated bearings
  • Understand bearing failure mechanisms as a function of load, rotational speed, and the oscillatory motion of the bearing
  • Develop predictive models of the bearing remaining life based on damage evolution, operating speed, amplitude and type of the loading
  • Research signal processing techniques and sensor types for condition monitoring of bearings for prognostics
  • Study correlation among vibration, motor current, load, friction and noise spectra
  • Verify model-based diagnostics/prognostics algorithms