DEM ball bearing model and defect diagnosis by electrical measurement

We propose in this paper a new method for the monitoring and diagnosis of bearing defects which utilises the sensitivity and the richness of the local electrical signature of the ball bearings. Experimental results show the capability of the electrical measurement to betray the existence of defect. A new model of ball bearing is presented based on Discrete Element Method (DEM), in which the mechanical behavior of ball bearing is reproduced correctly. Numerical simulations are carried out to highlight the influence of angular velocity on the electrical signal of healthy ball bearing. Moreover, the numerical simulations are performed in the case of defected ball bearing. The electrical signals obtained are in good agreement with theoretical frequencies. The numerical study underscore the capability of electrical response to detect geometrical defects.