[1F1] Acoustic emission application and development in the condition monitoring of low-speed bearings
T Bradshaw
Mistras Group Ltd, UK
Acoustic emission (AE) has been effectively utilised for condition monitoring of low-speed bearings (LSBs) across various applications. LSBs operate at relatively low rotational speeds, typically below 100 r/min, though the threshold can vary depending on the application. These bearings are commonly found in heavy machinery, wind turbines and other industrial equipment where high load and slow rotational movement is experienced. Unlike high-speed bearings, low-speed bearings can be harder to monitor with traditional vibration-based condition monitoring techniques for a number of reasons. This is why AE is often used, as it can detect small structural changes, such as crack initiation or lubrication issues, even at very low speeds. This paper reviews key examples of the application of AE to LSBs in industrial applications, highlighting the benefits and limitations of AE, while exploring potential advancements in data acquisition and analysis to enhance monitoring efficiency.
