Bearings Course

Lesson 1 • Material Composition of Bearings

Covers steel grades, ceramic options, and polymer materials used in bearing manufacture. Material choice directly affects load capacity, speed, and corrosion resistance.

Lesson 2 • Major Bearing Type Classifications

Distinguishes ball, roller, needle, and plain bearing families. Classification skills enable correct type selection for given load and speed conditions.

Lesson 3 • What Bearings Do in Machines

Bearings reduce friction and support loads between moving parts. This section establishes why bearings are critical to mechanical efficiency and reliability.

Lesson 4 • Core Bearing Components

Identifies inner race, outer race, rolling elements, and cage. Understanding each part's function prepares students for selection and failure analysis.

Lesson 1 • Bearing Selection Methodology

Applies a structured selection process using load, speed, space, and environment inputs. A systematic approach reduces selection errors and rework costs.

Lesson 2 • Static and Dynamic Load Ratings

Explains C0 static and C dynamic load ratings from manufacturer datasheets. These ratings form the quantitative basis for life and safety calculations.

Lesson 3 • Special Load Conditions

Addresses shock loads, vibration, and misalignment as modifiers to standard selection. Recognising special conditions prevents under-specification in demanding applications.

Lesson 4 • Speed Parameters and Limiting Factors

Covers reference speed, limiting speed, and the dn value for bearing operation. Speed limits prevent overheating and premature fatigue failure.

Lesson 1 • L10 Basic Rating Life Theory

Derives the L10 formula relating load, rating, and life in millions of revolutions. This foundational equation underpins all subsequent life adjustment methods.

Lesson 2 • Life Calculation Software Tools

Introduces manufacturer-provided calculation platforms and their input parameters. Software tools accelerate complex calculations and reduce manual arithmetic errors.

Lesson 3 • Equivalent Dynamic Load Calculation

Calculates equivalent dynamic load P from combined radial and axial forces. Accurate P values ensure life calculations reflect real operating conditions.

Lesson 4 • Modified Life Adjustment Factors

Applies reliability, material, and lubrication adjustment factors to basic L10 life. Adjusted life predictions account for real-world operating deviations.

Lesson 1 • Grease Selection and Properties

Covers base oil viscosity, thickener type, and NLGI grade for grease selection. Matching grease properties to operating conditions prevents starvation and churning.

Lesson 2 • Relubrication Intervals and Quantities

Calculates relubrication intervals and grease quantities using speed and bearing size. Correct intervals prevent both starvation and over-greasing failures.

Lesson 3 • Lubricant Contamination and Degradation

Identifies water ingress, particle contamination, and oxidation as lubricant failure modes. Contamination control extends lubricant and bearing service life significantly.

Lesson 4 • Lubrication Film Theory

Explains elastohydrodynamic lubrication and the lambda ratio for film thickness. Film theory explains why correct viscosity is essential to bearing life.

Lesson 1 • Interference Fit Theory and Tolerances

Explains ISO fit system, interference magnitudes, and their effect on internal clearance. Correct fit selection prevents creep on the shaft or housing bore.

Lesson 2 • Cold Mounting Methods

Covers press fitting with mounting sleeves and mechanical presses for small bearings. Cold methods are appropriate when heating equipment is unavailable or impractical.

Lesson 3 • Axial Positioning and Preload Setting

Covers locating vs. floating arrangements and preload adjustment for paired bearings. Correct axial positioning controls thermal expansion and eliminates harmful play.

Lesson 4 • Bearing Dismounting Procedures

Describes pullers, hydraulic nuts, and heating methods for safe bearing removal. Proper dismounting preserves shaft and housing surfaces for reuse.

Lesson 1 • External Sealing Arrangements

Covers radial shaft seals, labyrinth seals, and V-ring seals for housing design. External seals handle higher contamination levels and wider temperature ranges.

Lesson 2 • Integral Bearing Seals and Shields

Compares contact seals, non-contact seals, and metal shields built into bearing units. Integral options simplify design but have speed and temperature limitations.

Lesson 3 • Filtration Systems for Oil Lubrication

Specifies filter ratings and bypass valve settings for circulating oil systems. Filtration maintains target cleanliness class and extends lubricant service intervals.

Lesson 4 • Sealing in Harsh Environments

Addresses high-pressure washdown, submerged, and high-dust sealing challenges. Specialised arrangements prevent catastrophic contamination ingress in extreme conditions.

Lesson 1 • Root Cause Analysis and Reporting

Structures a root cause analysis using the five-why and fishbone methods for bearing failures. A documented report drives corrective actions and prevents repeat failures.

Lesson 2 • Failure Mode Classification

Categorises fatigue, wear, corrosion, and plastic deformation as primary failure modes. Classification directs the analyst toward the correct root cause investigation path.

Lesson 3 • Vibration Analysis for Bearing Faults

Uses bearing defect frequencies and envelope analysis to detect faults in service. Vibration analysis enables fault detection before catastrophic failure occurs.

Lesson 4 • Thermography and Acoustic Monitoring

Applies infrared thermography and ultrasonic detection to identify bearing distress. These non-contact methods complement vibration analysis in noisy environments.

Lesson 1 • High-Speed Bearing Systems

Addresses angular contact, spindle, and hybrid bearings for high-speed precision applications. High-speed design requires careful preload, lubrication, and thermal management.

Lesson 2 • Heavy-Load and Slow-Speed Applications

Selects spherical roller, toroidal, and slewing ring bearings for heavy industrial use. Slow-speed heavy-load conditions require static safety factor verification.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Bearing Shaft Arrangements

Designs locating, floating, and cross-locating shaft arrangements for thermal expansion control. Arrangement selection prevents axial binding and uncontrolled load distribution.

Lesson 4 • Linear Bearing and Guideway Systems

Covers linear ball guides, roller guides, and plain linear bearings for translational motion. Linear systems require preload and stiffness matching to the machine structure.