An extensive review of vibration modelling of rolling element bearings with localised and extended defects

This paper presents a review of literature concerned with the vibration modelling of rolling element bearings that have localised and extended defects. An overview is provided of contact fatigue, which initiates subsurface and surface fatigue spalling, and subsequently leads to reducing the useful life of rolling element bearings. A review is described of the development of all analytical and finite element (FE) models available in the literature for predicting the vibration response of rolling element bearings with localised and extended defects. Low- and high-frequency vibration signals are generated at the entry and exit of the rolling elements into and out of a bearing defect, respectively. The development of this finding is described along with analytical models to approximate these vibration signals. Algorithms to estimate the size of bearing defects are reviewed and their limitations are discussed. A summary of the literature is presented followed by recommendations for future research.