Identification of Bearing Defects by Spectral

Analysis
J. I. TAYLOR
Gardinier Inc., This paper describes procedures for identifying defects in antifriction bearings from
Tampa, Fla. 33601 analyses of the low frequencies (up to 2,000 Hz) generated by the moving parts in the
Assoc. Mem. ASME bearing. Defects on bearing raceways, the cage, or rolling elements, as well as excessive
clearance, turning on the shaft and loose housing, cause unique vibration signals. A
unique signal is also generated when bearings need lubrication. The spectrum shape,
frequency, amplitude, and sum and difference frequencies are useful in identifying
combinations of defects and their size. Information as to whether the bearing is in a
thrust or radial loaded condition is presented.

Introduction
Data are necessary for effective identification and analysis of
problems in rotating machines. This paper is concerned with the
identification of defects in antifriction bearings, including those
in outer race, inner race, balls or rollers, and Cage. Signatures of
bearings with excessive internal clearance and inadequate lubri-
cation are also presented. Some information on bearing installa-
tion can be obtained from signatures; for example, whether or
not the installation has imposed a thrust or radial load. Em-
pirical evidence suggests that defect size can be measured within
certain limits.
All of the data were obtained from on-line operating machines.
They operate at relatively slow speeds — up to 3,600 RPM —• and
include electric motors, fans, pumps and speed reducers. Each
defect has been identified repeatedly by spectrum frequency,
shape, amplitude, and sum and difference frequency. Table 1 is
a summary of bearing defects that have been identified by tech-
niques described in the following pages.
The formulas for determining the various frequencies generated
by antifriction bearings were developed by such experimentalists
as Miller1 and Martin2, their publications have been helpful in
analyzing the signals generated by defects in bearings.
Data Collection
Data sheets for equipment to be checked were prepared, and incident.
monitoring points were selected. The vibration velocity at the
monitoring points was measured in inches per second (IPS) and with a magnet base. All spectra are presented in the linear mode.
recorded each week. Although such weekly monitoring is not The average given are based on 32 samples. Amplitudes are
proposed as a standard, it is justified in hostile environments. calibrated in IPS, with each major division equal to 0.1 IPS
When a significant change in vibration occurs, a scientific quality (0.25 cm/sec). This calibration is important because more sensi-
'Miller, T. D., "Machine Noise Analysis and Reduction," Sound and Vibra-
tion, S&V-4 March, 1967.
»Martin, R. L„ "Detection of Ball Bearing Malfunctions," Instruments and
Control Systems, Dec. 1970.
Contributed by the Vibrations Committee and presented at the Design
Engineering Technical Conference, St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 10-12, 1979 of the
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. Manuscript received at ASME
Headquarters May 29, 1979. Paper No. 79-DET-14.
tape recorder was used to record the vibrations at the various
monitoring points. The recorded data were fed into a spectrum
analyzer. A copy of the spectrum made with an X-Y recorder
was analyzed to identify any problems.
The limits of a significant change in vibration level depend
on the type of equipment involved and the cause of the vibration.
For a coupled pump and motor that normally vibrate at 0.07
IPS (0.17 cm/sec) a change of 0.05 IPS (0.12 cm/sec) could be
significant and should be checked out. On the other hand, a
bucket elevator that normally vibrates at a wide range on either
side of 0.5 IPS (1.2 cm/sec) could be checked on a periodic basis
or when a change of 0.3 IPS (0.76 cm/sec) occurred.
Defects in antifriction bearings can be identified at 0.01 IPS
(0.02 cm/sec), an increase of 0.1 IPS (0.25 cm/sec) in a bearing
defect could thus be important, whereas an increase of 0.1 IPS
in an unbalance condition might cause little concern.
Excessive vibration can be defined as that level of vibration
that experience has shown to be harmful to a particular piece of
equipment. For a directly coupled pump and motor excessive vi-
bration could be 0.15 IPS (0.38 cm/sec) at a bearing frequency.
For a fan that weighs 2,000 pounds (907 kgs) 0.25 IPS (0.68
cm/sec) at the running speed could be excessive. At the other
extreme, a light fan (20 Lbs) (9 kgs) could vibrate at 1.0 IPS
(2.54 cm/sec) at the running speed for long periods without
All data in this paper were gathered using a seismic pickup
tivity permit unwanted data to be displayed and less sensitivity
eliminate desirable data. However, more calibration sensitivity
may be required when analyzing speed reducers.
In some machines, a defective bearing frequency may be very
close to a harmonic of the rotational frequency vain pass/blade,
pass frequency, or some other available frequency. When this
occurs, serious analysis errors can be made. These errors can be
avoided by using a spectrum translator for detail analysis of
selected frequency windows.

Journal of Mechanical Design APRIL 1980, Vol. 102/199

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DEFECT FREQUENCY
Narrow band spike at
FTF*
Two or three narrow
band spikes that are
sums of the DPFI
Table 1 Types. A machine with a defective bearings can generate at
least five frequencies. They are:
1. Rotating unit Frequency.
DEFECT SIZE OR SEVERITY
DEFECT LOCATION AND BEARING LOAD 2. Fundamental Train Frequency, F T F .
Inner Race One defect less than 3. Ball pass frequency of the inner race, B P F I .
0.23 in1 (.58 CM)
long; radial load. 4. Ball pass frequency of the outer race, BPFO.
One defect less than 5. Ball spin frequency, BSF.
Outer Race 0.4-1 in' (1.1 CM)
long; radial load.
Ball pass frequencies are generated as the balls or rollers pass
Ball roller, or One ball has defect
cage or cage is broken at over a defect on the raceways. The frequency generated at the
one point. BSF can
also be caused by a outer race is roughly equal to 40 percent of the number of balls
heavy thrust load-
Cage could be defec-
times the revolutions per second (RPS); for the inner race, the
Cage, balls, or
rollers, and/or tive, however, this
frequency usually
frequency approximates 60 percent of the product of the number
raceways.
occurs with one of of balls and RPS. This is true because (1) 40 percent of the
the above problems.
balls pass over the defect on the outer race during each revolution
Inner Race Two or three defects
less than 0.23 in and 60 percent pass over the defect on the inner race during each
(.58 CM) long, or a
defective area 3.3 revolution, and (2) the geometry of the bearing is proportional
or 4,9 in' (8.4 or
12.4 CM) long; bearing to its size. In addition, the outer race is stationary and the inner
is either cocked or
under extreme radial race is rotating.
load.

Large spall on defective

Spike at some multiple
of the BSF; a wide
band spike can be
modulated with the
FTF
Series of Narrow Band
spikes whose different;
frequency equals ball
pass frequency.
Wide band spike at the
BPFI modulated with the
speed of the rotating
unit; e.g., the gPFI
with side lobes ^RPS
Wide band spike at the
BPFO modulated with the
speed of the rotating
unit; e.g., the BPFO
with side lobes + RPS
Difference Frequency
Equal to BSF
four spikes
- 1,600 with
frequency
from 30-130 Hz
Several Multiples of
Rotating Speed
A spectral line at
rotating speed and
times the rotating
speed.
NOTE: A defect on the raceway is normally considered a
Defective Balls, the
number of which is
equal to the multiple
balls; if wide band spall. However, some heavily loaded, slow speed equipment can
spike is modulated
of the component
frequency
with FTF, bearing cause some areas of the bearing to wear faster than other areas.
could be thrust loaded.
This condition causes the bearing surface to resemble a "Wash-
Defect is on race Small defects with board" road with widely spaced ridges and generates the ball
identified by roughness around the
frequency; frequen- entire race; bearing is pass frequency and/or sums of the ball pass frequency.
cies of both races thrust loaded. If one?
are present, defect
is on both races.
spike has side lobes
equal to RPS, that
Ball spin frequency is generated when a defect on the ball or
defect is large and
can be measured as
roller strikes the raceway. The frequency can be twice the BSF
explained below. because the defect strikes both races. The frequency generated is
Defect is large, with seldom this high, however, because (1) the ball is not always in
length greater than
0.46 (2x0.23) (1.16 CM the load zone when the defect strikes and (2) energy is lost as
(2x.58) but less than
0.69 (3x0.23) (1.74 CM) the signal passes through additional structural interfaces when
radial load.
the defect strikes the inner face. Ball spin frequency can also be
Outer Race Defect large with length
greater than 0.88 produced when the balls are thrusting against the cage or it is
(2x0.44)(2.23 CM)
(2x1.117) but less broken.
than 1.32 (3x0.44) in'
(3.35 CM).
Fundamental Train Frequency. The fundamental train fre-
Ball or Roller Defect size cannot yet
be measured on balls quency is the rotating speed of the balls or rollers and the cage
or rollers
assembly.
Natural Frequency Bearing has inadequate
of Bearing lubrication, preload,
or other condition that Rotating Unit Frequency. The frequency generated by the
causes bearing to ring.
speed of the rotating unit is caused by residual unbalance and/or
Excessive internal Number and amplitude of
clearance or bearing multiples is a function eccentricity in the rotating unit.
turning on the shaft of looseness and un-
balance. Caution:
looseness has a signifi-
cant effect on balance
sensitivity.
Computation
Bearing housing is The severity of the The following data and definitions are needed to compute
too large. problem is indicated by
amplitude. values for the frequencies.

R P M , Revolutions per minute.

* BPFI,
BPFO,
ball pass frequency of the innter race
ball pass frequency of the outer race,
RPS, Revolutions per second.
BSF,
FTF,
ball spin frequency
fundamental train frequency
F T F , fundamental train frequency.
NOTE: One ball pass frequency of the outer race is equal to about one
B P F I , Ball pass frequency of the inner race.
half inch on large spherical roller bearings. BPFO, Ball pass frequency of the outer race.
BSF, Ball spin frequency.
BD, Ball or roller diameter.
NB, Number of balls or rollers.
Generally data may be taken by placing the pickup in the ver-
P D , pitch diameter.
tical or horizontal position. When the bearing has a contact
<f>, Contact Angle.
angle other than zero and/or has a thrust load, a better defined
signal can be obtained by placing the pick up in the axial direc- The formulas are:
tion. Bearing frequencies are often difficult to pick up on large
speed reducers. Experience has shown t h a t gears transmit bear- 1. FTF =
ing frequencies quite well and bearing signals from these large
speed reducers may be obtained on some external component,
the drive motor, for example. Of course this statement would
not be true if the motor had sleeve bearings.
2. BPFI = a » (. + £—)
Nb , „ „ / Bd \
Frequencies Generated 3. BPFO - - R P S ^1 - — cos^j
Five frequencies have been associated with defective bearings.
Various d a t a are used inrelatively simple formulas to calculate Pd / Bd» \
4. BSF — RPS ( l - — c o s ' * )
the numerical values of the frequencies.

200/Vol. 102, APRIL 1980 Transactions of the ASME

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 •q
<1.U)
.1 .3 .~
FREQUENCY (KHZ>
(a)
Fig.1(b)
Fig.1(a) Outer Race Defect. This spectrum was taken from a 200 HP
electric motor. The drive end bearing is a SKF N319 cylindrical roller
bearing. The motor speed is 29.6 Hz. The ball pass frequency for a
defect on the outer race Is 172 Hz. The spectral line at 172 Hertz is the
electronic representation of large defect on the outer race of the
bearing in Fig. l(b).
The pitch diameter (Pd) is the diameter measured across the
bearing from center ball (or roller) to the center ball (or roller).
The contact angle is the angle me/tsured from a line perpendicular
to the shaft to the point at which the balls, or rollers, contact the
race. The contact angle of a deep groove ball bearing is zero.
It has been found that the computed frequency does not always
equal the spectral frequency. The reasons might be that some
slippage occurs in the bearing and that the measuring equipment
is not entirely accurate. Computations of frequencies by the
percentage. method is sufficiently accurate for most applications.
If more accuracy is required the frequencies can be computed.
An appendix of commonly used bearings and t.he various fre-
quencies is in reference. 8
Defects
Defects in antifriction bearings can occur on the raceways, the
cage, or the rolling elements. Such defects cause unique vibration
signals. Excessive clearance and inadequate lubrication can also
be identified by their unique vibration signals.
Raceways. Defective raceways can be identified by a narrow
band spike at the ball pass frequency of the race on which the
defect exists. As the size of the defect increases the band width
of the spectrum can increase and become modulated with the
RPS. At this point the spectrum could be wide band, with
3Taylor, J. 1., "Determination of Antifriction Bearing Condition by Spectral
Analysis," Presented at a Vibration Instt'tute sponsored Seminar, Feb. 1978.
Journal of Mechanical Design
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.q
<1.0)
if> .2
eo (.50)
.1 .2 .3
FREQUENCY (KHZ>
(a)
Fig.2(b)
Fig.2(a) Inner Race Defect. This spectrum was taken from a 200 HP
electric motor. The fan end bearing is a SKF 6313 ball bearing. The
motor speed is 20 Hz. The ball pass frequency for a defect on the inner
race is 98 Hz. The spectral line at 98 Hz Is the electronic representa-
tion of the small defect on the inner race of the bearing in Fig. 2(b).
narrow band spikes at the ball pass frequency and at the ball
pass frequency plus or minus the RPS. As the defect becomes
even larger the ball pass frequency sometimes disappears; the
spectrum then can be a series of spikes. The frequency differ-
ence between the spikes equals the RPS of the rotating unit. An
outer race defect is shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 shows an inner race
defect.
The formulas indicate the value of the ball pass frequency is
equal to a percentage of the balls or rollers passing over the defect
each revolution.
Empirical evidence indicates a sip.gle spectral spike is gener-
ated at the ball pass frequency when the defect is not large
enough to permit movement of the rotating unit. When the defect
becomes large enough to allow movement of the rotating unit
the ball pass frequency becomes modulated with the speed of
rotating unit. This modulation generates a side lobe to the ball
pass frequency. The difference frequency between the ball pass
frequency spectrum and the side lobe will equal the speed of the
rotating unit. As the defect increases in size more side lobes are
generated and at some point the ball pass frequency may no
longer be generated. Instead as series of spikes - the difference
frequency of which is equal to the RPS - is generated by various
movements of the rotating unit during each revolution. This
phenomenon seems to occur when the length of the defect is
greater than the length required to generate one or two ball pass
frequencies, and applies to both radial and axial loads.
Defects on the inner and outer races tend to behave in a
similar manner except that the amplitude of the spectrum of an
APRIL 1980, Vol. 1021201
 <:15

>-
t:: 1::
~ .1
> <'25)
S .1
~ (,25

.2 .3
FREQUENCY (KHZ> FREQUENCY (KHZ>

(a) (a)

Flg.3(b)
Flg.4(b)
Flg.3(a) Ball Defects. This spectrum was taken from a 60 HP electric
motor. The drive end bearing Is a SKF 6314 ball bearing. The motor Fig. 4(a) Excessive Internal Looseness. This spectrum was taken
speed Is 29.6 Hz. The ball spin frequency Is 61 Hertz and the funda- from the Inboard bearing of a 50 inch (127 em) scrubber fan. The fan
mental train frequency Is 11 Hz. The sectral line at 182 Hz Is three rotates at 29.6 Hz. The bearing is a SKF 22222. The fundamental fre.
times the ball spin frequency. The three spectral lines at 232, 244 and quency of 29.6 Hz and the string of harmonics is characterlsitic of
154 Hz indicates modulation by the fundamental train frequency. looseness of rotating unit. Fig. 4(b) shows the excessive wear on the
The spectral lines In this figure are the electronic representation of one outer race.
defect on the outer race, the defects on the three balls In Fig. 3(b).
thrusting hard against the cage. Normally, defects on the balls
inner race defect is much less than that of the outer race for a or rollers are accompanied by a defective inner race and/or outer
given size defect. The reasons might be that (1) a defect on the race.
inner race is in the load zone only once per revolution, and (2) Excessive Internal Looseness. Excessive internal looseness is
the signal must travel through more structural interfaces to usually a problem in spherical roller bearings mounted with
reach the surface. t,apered bushings. Internal looseness can occur for a number of
reasons: the bushing has become better seated on the shaft, the
Roiling Elements, Balls and Rollers. Defects on rolling elements
lock nut has come loose or abrasives in the lubricant are causing
can generate a ball spin frequency or some multiple of it and the excessive wear. Whatever the cause, the spectrum will contain a
fundamental train frequency. The spectrum can be either of two
one times RPM plus several multiples of RPM (see Fig. 4). Other
types: a narrow band spike at one of the above frequencies or a
characteristics of looseness include low amplitude, a broad band
combination spike in which one of the three frequencies modulates
spectrum of random noise, and a drastic change in balance
a natural frequency, gear mesh frequency, ball pass frequency, or
sensitivity. Care should be exercised in diagnosing this looseness
some other available frequency. When this occurs, the spectrum
because several multiples of RPM can also be caused by a bearing
can be a broadband consisting of a series of narrow band spikes; turning on the shaft. Pumps and electric motors, using ball
the frequency difference between the spikes is equal to the ball
bearings multiples of RPM indicates looseness of rotating unit-
spin frequency and/or the fundamental train frequency. When bearing turning on the shaft. A spectral plot that has a spectral
one ball or roller is defective a BSF is usually generated. It can line at the rotating speed and four times the rotating speed
appear in the spectrum as a narrow band spike or as a sum or usually means the bearing is loose in the housing.
difference frequency. When more than one ball or roller is de-
fective, sums of the ball spin frequency can be generated. The Cage. As has already been stated, some defects on the cage
number of sums is equal to the number of defective balls or rollers. show up at the ball spin frequency. Cage defects can also gen-
For example: If the BSF is 61 Hz and three balls are defective erate the units that are contained in both antifriction and sleeve
a frequency spike should appear at about 183 Hz. If these de- bearings because oil whirl and the fundamental train frequency
fects are large enough to affect the rotation of the cage, an FTF both occur at roughly 40 percent of the RPM for some bearings
can be generated. (See Fig. 3). at particular speeds.
The appearance of a ball spin frequency does not always mean Except for defects that occur in components during manu-
a defective ball or roller. The ball spin frequency could be facturing, the cage is usually the last component to fail. The
generated if the cage is broken at the rivet, and if the balls are typical failure sequence is as follows: defects on the races, the

2021 Vol. 102, APRIL 1980 Transactions of the ASME

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 do Jr-------.--.----.----,----...-------,----,

.3
~(5)

is
~do)
~
u
r::
u
'3 .1
~ <.25) ~ ,1
><.(5)

1.2

Fig. 5 Inadequate Lubrication. This spectrum was taken from the (a)
bearing housing of a dust blower. The bottom spectrum was gen-
erated by inadequate lubrication. The top spectrum was generated
after the bearing was lu bricated.

balls, and finally the cage. A severely damaged cage can cause
constant frequency shifts that cannot be shown in a still picture
but are observable if the tape is played on a real time analyzer.
When the cage is broken in enough places to allow the balls or
rollers to bunch up, wide shifts in frequencies accompanied by
loud noises will occur. When these signs are present, siezure is
imminent.
Inadequate Lubrication. The unique signaturell generated by
inadequately lubricated bearings are characterized by three or
four peaks in the frequency range of 900 to 1,600 Hz. The dif-
ference frequency between the peaks ranges from 80 to 130 Hz.
Some signatures of properly lubricated bearings contain these
frequency components; however, the amplitude is very low -
about 0.0.5 IPS (0.12 cm/sec) or less. The amplitude increases
to as much as 0.2 IPS (0.50 cm/sec) when the lubrication is in-
adequate. See Fig. 5 for a typical signature of a bearing that Fig.6(b)
needs lubrication. Prompt lubrication of the affected part can
Fig. 6(,,) Sum and Difference Frequencies. This spectrum was
reduce the amplitude to a normal level, and the part may not be taken from a 300 HP electric motor. The motor rotates at 29.6 Hz and
damaged. Caution is necellsary because bearing damage can has a SKF 6313 bearing installed on each end. The broad banded
spectral line a 740 Hz Is 5 times the BPF•• This spectral line Is modu.
occur very quickly as a result of inadequate lubrication. lated with the speed of the unit. Fig. 6(b) is the Inner race of the bear-
Empirical evidence indicates that frequencies from 900- Ing that generated this spectrum. Tho failure was caused by inade-
1,600 Hz are natural frequencies of the installed bearing. Similar quate end play in tho motor.
signatures can be produced by preloading and heavy thrust.
Lubrication of preloaded or heavy thrust bearings will not
necessarily help the bearing. When a bearing has a defect(s) Spectral analysis of bearings with multiple defects and units
and is not adequately lubricated the frequency spectrum con- containing more than one defective bearing are usually complex,
tains the frequencies generated by the lubrication problem and and many problems have not yet been resolved. For example,
the frequencies generated by the defect. does a difference frequency of 60 Hz equal two RPS or a ball spin
frequency? It is hoped that experience, more in-depth analysis,
Multiple Defects and more accurate measurements will provide the solution.

Frequencies generated in defective antifriction bearings and

Bearing Behavior
by rotating units will add and subtract in much the same way as
frequencies add and subtract in electronic mixers and detectors. A properly selected and installed angular contact bearing
This phenomenon frequently occurs; thus, some signatures of should have an evenly distributed thrust load on the entire sur-
defective bearings will not contain one of the basic frequencies- face of both races. Under such conditions the bearing typically
BPFO, BPFI, BSF, or FTF. (See Fig. 6 for an example). In- develops small defects all the way around the race. The com-
stead, the frequency of the spectral peaks will equal the sum or bination of a 360 deg load zone and the small defects produces a
difference of the basic frequencies generated by the bearing series of sums of the ball pass frequency; The number of sums
defects. Identification of the basic frequencies comprising each generated seems to be related to the circumference of both races
spike of the spectrum will characterize each defect in the bearing. and/or the length of the load zone.
A single defect in a bearing can be identified by the frequency A properly selected and installed deep groove ball bearing
it generates. When several defects are present, some of them should carry a radial load in about one third of the circumference.
might be identified from the basic frequency, but sum and dif- Under these conditions the bearing develops a defect in the load
ference frequencies are almost always present in the spectra. zone that generates a single ball pass frequency. Two defects
Analysis of complex spectra can be difficult. One helpful ap- can generate the sum of two ball pass frequencies. If the load -
proach has been to identify any basic frequencies. Each multiple as "felt" by the bearing - is on the rotor, as occurs in unbalance
of the basic frequency - lx, 2x, etc., - must then be identified. for example, a spall should occur on the inner race if the inner
Finally, any remaining frequency peaks can be identified by race is rotating and onter race is stationary. The load zone is
trial and error involving combinations of the frequencies already always at the same spot of the inner race. If the load is external
identified and all the other basic frequencies. to the rotor as is the case with tight V belts, the defect should

Journal of Mechanical Design APRIL 1980, Vol. 1021203

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 occur on the outer race at the load zone. Under typical condi-
tions, a defect should occur first on the inner race because the
curvature is more pronounced and more balls pass over its sur-
face than is true of the outer race.
Conversely, if a thrust bearing is not evenly loaded over its
circumference and has a radial load, it will behave like a radial
bearing; t h a t is, it will produce a single ball pass frequency. If
a radial bearing has an abnormal thrust load, it will behave like
a thrust bearing; that is, it will generate several sums of the ball
pass frequency. Bearings that are subjected to the type of loads
for which they were not designed fail quickly. These excessive
loads can be identified with spectral analysis.
As stated above, a beginning defect on either race generates a
ball pass frequency. Early spall information can be identified
when hairline cracks develop. Manufacturing defects — holes
the size of a sharp pencil in the race for instance — can be identi-
fied. The ball pass frequency can be detected in unloaded ma-
chines; e.g., an electric motor not connected to a driven unit or a
new motor on the floor.
After a defect has begun, it will get larger —• and the spectral
band width will get wider until the spectrum is modulated with
the speed of the rotating unit. The ball pass frequency and the
ball pass frequency plus or minus the R P S might be generated.
Modulation can continue until the ball pass frequency virtually
disappears. (In some cases the amplitudes of the R P S sum and
difference frequencies are equal to or exceed those of the ball
pass frequency). The spectrum becomes a series of frequency
peaks whose difference frequency is equal to the R P S . These
phenomena occur when the bearing is failing and a fatigue spall
is present on the race.
Defect size can thus be measured by frequency as follows. The
inner race circumference of a New Departure 5313 bearing is
roughly 10 in. (25.4 cm). This bearing can generate six ball pass
frequencies when the entire inner race is defective. The circum-
ference of the inner race divided by the number of ball pass fre-
quencies generated equals the length required to generate one
ball pass frequency 10 -*- 6 = 1.66 in. (25.4 -f- 6 = 4.21 cm) in
this case. The ball pass frequency of the inner race (213 Hz)
divided by the R P S (29.6 Hz) equals the number of R P S in one
ball pass frequency (213 •*- 29.6 = 7.19 RPS). Divide the number
of R P S (7.19) into the length 1.66 in. (4.21 cm) required to gen-
erate one ball pass frequency to obtain the length required to
generate one R P S 1.66 -s- 7.19 = 0.23 in. (4.21 ^ 7.19 = 58 cm
per RPS).
Therefore, if a spectrum contains a single frequency spike at
the ball pass frequency (radial bearing) or a series of frequency
spikes that are sums of the ball pass frequency (thrust bearing),
each defect would be less than 23 in. (0.58 cm) in length. If a
ball pass frequency were modulated with one R P S the size of the
defect would be greater than 23 in. (0.58 cm) b u t less than 0.46 in.
1.16 cm).
The circumference of the outer race of a new departure 5313
bearing is roughly 15 in. (38.1 cm). The ball pass frequency is
142 Hz. Seven frequencies can be generated on a defective outer
race. Therefore, 15 -f- 7 = 2.14 (38.1 -r- 7 = 5.44 cm) and
142 -f- 29.6 = 4.80 then 2.14 -i- 4.80 = 0.44 in. (5.44 -f- 4.8
204/Vol. 102, APRIL 1980
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= 1.13 cm). A defect on the outer race that generates a single
spike at the ball pass frequency, plus or minus the RPS, would
mean the size of the defect exceeds 0.44 in. (1.11 cm) but is less
than 0.88 in. (2.23 cm). So many variables affect amplitude that
it is used only to describe relative conditions.
The above calculations are roughly accurate for a 5313 bearing.
The error increases with the size of the bearing, however, and it
is not yet known if the number of ball pass frequencies generated
also increases with the size of the bearing. The values of 0.23 in.
and 0.44 in. (1.11 cm - 2.23 cm) for inner and outer race respec-
tively, appear valid for bearings larger than the 5313.
The above calculations do not hold true for spherical roller
bearings. Enough data on these bearings is not available to de-
velop the calculations. However empirical measurements indicate
t h a t each one half inch of defect on the outer race will generate
a ball pass frequency on bearings with a 120 M M bore and larger.
Conclusion
Spectral analysis of frequencies generated by defective anti-
friction bearings can identify defects on the inner and outer
raceways. T h e length of the defects can be measured within
limits. Defects on the balls/rollers and the cage are also revealed.
Bearings t h a t are dry of lubrication can be identified. Informa-
tion on the bearing installation can be obtained, e.g., does the
bearing have a thrust or radial load? does the bearing have ex-
cessive internal clearance? Is it turning on the shaft or in the
housing? These problems/conditions have been identified in over
1,000 beaiings. The technique should apply to all antifriction
bearings because the author has used it successfully on bearings
with bore sizes from 12 mm to 200 mm. These defective bearings
were identified in electric motors, pumps, compresors, gear
boxes, fans, centrifuges, jack shaft, etc.
The instructions given in this paper must be followed if costly
errors in analysis are to be prevented. For example, a unit
rotating at 29.6 Hz can generate a component at 88.8 Hz (3 X
29.6). The B P F O of an eight-ball bearing rotating at' 29.6 Hz
can be 91 Hz. Establishing whether or not the frequency is
3 X R P S or indicative of a bearing defect requires detailed study.
After a machine with a defective bearing has been identified,
the expected life span of the machine must be estimated. Be-
cause defects usually occur on the races first, balls or rollers
second and the cage last, estimation of the machine life span is
facilitated if the condition of the bearing is known. Identification
of defects early enough to permit repair at scheduled downtimes
improves the operational factor and reduces the total repair cost,
motor rewinds for example.
Acknowledgments
The author wishes to thank Dr. Ronald L. Eshleman of the
Vibration Institute for his guidance and editing of this paper.
The author also wishes to express his appreciation for technical
assistance and photography provided by his colleague Douglas
E. MoDuffie, Jr.
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