An improved analytical model for a lubricated roller bearing including a localized defect with different edge shapes

Vibrations of a roller bearing (RB) with a localized defect (LOD) are determined by LOD edge shapes, which can be used to detect and diagnose the LODs. Therefore, it is very helpful to analyze the relationships between impulses and LOD edge shapes for detection and diagnosis of the early LODs. In this study, an improved analytical model for a lubricated RB with a LOD considering different edge shapes is proposed. The LOD edge propagation is determined by the size of small cylindrical surface at its edge. A time-varying impact force (TVIF) model for the LOD with different edge shapes is also presented depended on Hertzian contact theory. The time-varying displacement excitation (TVDE) and time-varying contact stiffness coefficient (TVSC) between the roller and LOD edges can be formulated by the presented model, which cannot be formulated by the previous models considering sharp edges in the literatures. Influences of LOD edge shapes on vibrations of the unlubricated and lubricated RB are investigated. The numerical results show that the amplitude and impulse waveform of the accelerations of the RB will be affected by the LOD edge shape and lubricated oil; however, the peak frequencies in the spectrum are slightly influenced by the LOD edge shape and lubricated oil. It seems that the presented numerical results can give some guidance for the incipient LOD detection and diagnosis for RBs.