Development of damage detection parameters over the lifetime of a rolling element bearing

This paper presents the trends of damage detection parameters over the lifetime of a rolling element bearing. In the experimental part, a series of bearing tests was performed using the twin-disc test device, until the monitored bearing was severely worn. This was followed by the analysis of measured acceleration and acoustic emission data in a constant-load condition, but also as loaded with impact-type loading. The results showed that traditionally used parameters, such as kurtosis and RMS, can indicate whether the bearing is damaged or not in a non-impact load condition. However, especially under impact-loading, the parameters based on acoustic emission data showed good performance and enabled monitoring of progress of the bearing damage.