Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Rolling element bearings absolute life prediction using modal analysis

  • Published:
Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. T. A. Harris, Rolling Bearing Analysis, 4th Ed., Canada: Wiley (2001).

    Google Scholar 

  2. B. J. Hamrock and D. Dowson, Introduction to ball bearings, Technical Memorandum NASA TM-816901981.

  3. B. J. Hamrock, S. R. Schmid and B. O. Jacobson, Chapter 21: Rolling element bearings, Fundamentals of Fluid Film Lubrication, Ed: Marcel Dekker, CRC Press (2004).

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  4. B. J. Hamrock and W. J. Anderson, Rolling element bearings, Reference Publication NASA RP-11051983.

  5. Z. Chang, Q. Jia, X. Yuan and Y. Chen, Main failure mode of oil-air lubricated rolling bearing installed in high speed machining, Tribology International, 112 (2017) 68–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. P. Rycerz, A. Olver and A. Kadiric, Propagation of surface initiated rolling contact fatigue cracks in bearing steel, International Journal of Fatigue, 97 (2017) 29–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. N. K. Arakere, Gigacycle rolling contact fatigue of bearing steels: A review, International J. of Fatigue, 93 (2016) 238–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. I. Howard, A review of rolling element bearing vibration-detection, diagnosis and prognosis, Defense science and technology organization technical report DSTO-RR-OO13, Australia (1994).

    Google Scholar 

  9. A. Palmgren, The service life of ball bearings (Die Lebensdauer von Kugellagern), Zeitschrift des Verctires Deutscher Ingeniuere, 68 (1924) 339–341.

    Google Scholar 

  10. E. V. Zaretsky, A palmgren revisited-A basis for bearing life prediction, Technical Memorandum NASA TM-1074401997.

  11. E. V. Zaretsky, Rolling bearing life prediction, theory, and application, Recent Developments in Wear Prevention, Friction, and Lubrication, 37 (166) (2010) 45–136.

    Google Scholar 

  12. ISO Standard 281:2007(E), Rolling bearings -Dynamic load ratings and rating life, Ed: International Organization for Standardization (2007).

  13. ANSI/AFBMA Std 11-1990, Load ratings and fatigue life for roller bearings, Ed: American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/The Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association (AFBMA) (1990).

  14. M. Yakout and A. Elkhatib, Rolling bearing reliability prediction: A review, 20th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV20), Bangkok, Thailand (2013) 3288–3296.

    Google Scholar 

  15. O. Özşahin and Y. Altintas, Prediction of Frequency response function (FRF) of asymmetric tools from the analytical coupling of spindle and beam models of holder and tool, International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 92 (2015) 31–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. M. G. A. Nassef, A. Elkhatib and M. Hamed, Correlating the vibration modal analysis parameters to the material impact toughness for austempered ductile iron, Materials Performance and Characterization, 4 (2015) 61–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. K.-C. Chang and C.-W. Kim, Modal-parameter identification and vibration-based damage detection of a damaged steel truss bridge, Engineering Structures, 122 (2016) 156–173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. H. Samami and P. Jingzhe, Detection of degradation in polyester implants by analysing mode shapes of structure vibration, J. of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 62 (2016) 299–309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. M. S. Eltobgy, The use of modal analysis as a nondestructive testing tool for predicting fatigue life of components and structures, M.Sc. Thesis, Production Engineering Department, Alexandria University, Egypt (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  20. A. N. Damir, A. Elkhatib and G. Nassef, Prediction of fatigue life using modal analysis for grey and ductile cast iron, International J. of Fatigue, 29 (2007) 499–507.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. M. Abo-Elkhier, A. A. Hamada and A. B. El-Deen, Prediction of fatigue life of glass fiber reinforced polyester composites using modal testing, International J. of Fatigue, 69 (2014) 28–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. M. Yakout, Life prediction of rolling element bearings using vibration modal analysis, M.Sc. Thesis, Production Engineering Department, Alexandria University, Egypt (2013).

    Google Scholar 

  23. A. Elkhatib, Rolling element bearing acceptance and life testing (BAT) (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  24. M. A. Abu-Zeid and S. M. Abdel-Rahman, Bearings problems’ effects on the dynamic performance of pumping stations, Alexandria Engineering J., 52 (2013) 241–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Y. Qiana, R. Yana and R. X. Gao, A multi time scale approach to remaining useful life prediction in rolling bearing, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 83 (2017) 549–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. R. M. Mitrovic, Z. Z. Miskovic, M. B. Djukic and G. M. Bakic, Statistical correlation between vibration characteristics, surface temperatures, and service life of rolling bearings-Artificially contaminated by open pit coal mine debris particles, 21st European Conference on Fracture, ECF21, Catania, Italy (2016).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Bruel & Kjaer Sound and Vibration Measurement, Modal testing and analysis, Ed: Lecture Notes and Multimedia Presentation from B&K (2000).

  28. XLSTAT© Excel Add-In, XLSTAT getting started manual, Ed: Microsoft (2013).

    Google Scholar 

  29. X. Yan and X. G. Su, Linear regression analysis; Theory and computing, Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte, Ltd. (2009).

    Book  MATH  Google Scholar 

  30. S. Weisberg, Applied linear regression, 3rd Ed., USA: Wiley (2005).

    Book  MATH  Google Scholar 

  31. R. L. Mason, R. F. Gunst and J. L. Hess, Statistical design and analysis of experiments; With application to engineering and science, 2nd Ed., USA Wiley (2003).

    MATH  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada

    Mostafa Yakout

  2. Production Engineering Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21544, Egypt

    A. Elkhatib & M. G. A. Nassef

Authors
  1. Mostafa Yakout
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Elkhatib
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. G. A. Nassef
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mostafa Yakout.

Additional information

Recommended by Associate Editor Byeng Dong Youn

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.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

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

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1210-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation