Diagnostic technologies for rolling element bearings are relatively well developed, but accurate prediction of remaining life once an incipient fault has been detected is considerably more difficult. This paper describes a comprehensive experimental study of bearing spall progression and a physics-based model being developed for bearing prognostics. The model computes the spall growth trajectory and time to failure based on operating conditions, and uses diagnostic feedback to self-adjust and reduce prediction uncertainty.
Author: Sean Marble & Brogan P. Morton
Publish Date: Mar 15, 2013