What type of failure can excessive vibrations cause in bearings?

Excessive vibrations in machinery can lead to a type of damage known as false brinelling. This phenomenon occurs when vibrations cause oscillatory motion between the rolling elements of a bearing and their raceways, creating wear patterns that mimic those caused by true brinelling—but without the high static loads that typically lead to true brinelling damage. This wear can result in significant decreases in bearing performance and can ultimately lead to premature bearing failure.

False brinelling often manifests itself as localized indentations or wear marks on the surface of the bearing components. It's particularly problematic in applications where machinery is not in continuous operation, as the lack of lubrication in areas experiencing micro-motion can exacerbate the wear process.

Understanding false brinelling is crucial for maintenance and operational practices since identifying and mitigating excessive vibrations can prolong the life of bearings and enhance the overall reliability of rotating equipment.