Measurement of bearing forces in test rig under static and dynamic condition

Abstract

The research work is mainly focused on bearing loads measurement experienced by single row deep groove ball bearing in a rotor-bearing test rig. For static and dynamic analysis, one of the bearing housings is replaced by a modular one with load sensors, capable of measuring radial loads. A test cases like unbalance is also studied in dynamic condition and some useful conclusions are drawn based on load data. The incorporation of data acquisition system with 1000 Hz data refresh rate, multiple channel display software, proved beneficial to capture the load data. The critical speed and bearing-to-bearing distance are considered key parameters in load measurement exercise. The values acquired during the testing were compared with rotor-bearing equation model and governing bearing load equations. The modal response and useful vibration data at bearing housing with multiple bearing to bearing distance were calculated and compared. The utility of such a measurement system in numerous applications of research and development could be utilized in the failure analysis of bearings and other components of rotor system. The present measurement setup can be incorporated with various capacities of test rigs and bearing sizes for load measurement.