A Method for Monitoring the Technical Condition of Large-Scale Bearing Nodes in the Bodies of Machines Operating for Extended Periods of Time

Failure of systems applied in machines comprising rolling and slewing bearings usually causes downtime of the entire heavy machine. The problem of failures can be aggravated by extremely difficult operating conditions, such as significant loads or a harsh environment. The entire issue inspired us to develop a method of monitoring the condition of such units. A study was carried out for six different large-scale excavators which examined strain distributions in the tested subassemblies. In order to estimate the technical condition of wheeled bogies, we used the phenomenon of strain propagation caused by the concentrated force acting in the ring girder web. Flamant theory was utilized to describe this phenomenon. Measurements were performed using strain gauges and the obtained results were compared with the FEM model. To determine whether bearing joints were in a good or bad condition, a coefficient of variation and an impulse factor were introduced as diagnostic indicators. It turned out that by evaluating these indicators, it was possible to distinguish between these two conditions. The method was successfully validated on machines that are in operation.

Influence of finite element mesh size on the carrying capacity analysis of single-row ball slewing bearing

Slewing bearings are widely used in industry to provide rotary support and carry heavy load. The load-carrying capacity is one of the most important features of a slewing bearing, and needs to be calculated cautiously. This paper investigates the effect of mesh size on the finite element (FE) analysis of the carrying capacity of slewing bearings. A local finite element contact model of the slewing bearing is firstly established, and verified using Hertz contact theory. The optimal mesh size of finite element model under specified loads is determined by analyzing the maximum contact stress and the contact area. The overall FE model of the slewing bearing is established and strain tests were performed to verify the FE results. The effect of mesh size on the carrying capacity of the slewing bearing is investigated by analyzing the maximum contact load, deformation, and load distribution. This study of finite element mesh size verification provides an important guidance for the accuracy and efficiency of carrying capacity of slewing bearings.

Influence of the elastic and elastic-plastic material parameters on the mechanical properties of slewing bearings

Slewing bearings are critical components of rotating equipment. Large structure sizes and heavy working load conditions require an extremely high load-bearing capacity and reliability. Overall and local contact finite element models of slewing bearings are verified by the empirical formula and Hertz contact theory. Validated finite element models are used to analyse the influence of the elastic material (E 1) and elastoplastic material parameters (EP 1, EP 2 and EP 3) on the load carrying capacity. The following conclusions are obtained by comparing the maximum contact load, the contact stress, the load distribution and the full-circle deformation. The influence of the material parameters on the slewing bearing is investigated to improve the analysis accuracy of the carrying capacity of the slewing bearings.