Electrical Bearing Damage, A Problem in the Nano- and Macro-Range

Rolling bearings face different damaging effects: Besides mechanical effects, current-induced bearing damage occurs in electrical drive systems. Therefore, it is of increasing interest to understand the differences leading to known electrical damage patterns. It is of utmost importance not to consider the harmful current passage in the machine element as an isolated phenomenon but to take into account the whole drive system consisting of the machine elements, the electric motor and the connected power electronics. This publication works toward providing an overview of the state-of-the-art of research regarding electrical bearing currents

Electrical Bearing Damage, A Problem in the Nano- and Macro-Range

Rolling bearings face different damaging effects: Besides mechanical effects, current-induced bearing damage occurs in electrical drive systems. Therefore, it is of increasing interest to understand the differences leading to known electrical damage patterns. It is of utmost importance not to consider the harmful current passage in the machine element as an isolated phenomenon but to take into account the whole drive system consisting of the machine elements, the electric motor and the connected power electronics. This publication works toward providing an overview of the state-of-the-art of research regarding electrical bearing currents

Flame retardant polyester by combination of organophosphorus compounds and an NOR radical forming agent

Polymer materials with different surface-to-volume ratios require different mechanisms of flame retardants regarding condensed phase and gas phase activity. The flame retardant formulations in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are investigated regarding a condensed phase and gas phase activity by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TG-mass spectrometry (MS), TG-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UL94, cone calorimeter and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer measurements. The flame retardant formulations containing phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphinates as flame retardants are analyzed by using a simultaneous analysis consisting of a differential thermal analysis-TGA device which is in situ coupled to FTIR and MS. All analysis methods show a gas phase activity for the phosphonate (PCO 910), a condensed phase activity for the phosphate (3,9-bis(phenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro-5,5-undecane-3,9-dioxide, (SPDPP) and a mixed condensed and gas phase activity for the new synthesized phosphate and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide containing flame retardant 3,9-bis(phenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro-5,5-undecane-3,9-dioxide (SPDPDOM). The fire behavior of PCO 910 can be improved by adding O,O'-Terephthaloyl-bis-N,N'-naphthalimide ester as NOR radical-forming agent (NOR-RF) reaching a total amount of 3 wt % of both active agents for a UL94 V-0 classification in PET

Synthesis of [Fe(Leq)(Lax)]n coordination polymer nanoparticles using blockcopolymer micelles

Spin-crossover compounds are a class of materials that can change their spin state from high spin (HS) to low spin (LS) by external stimuli such as light, pressure or temperature. Applications demand compounds with defined properties concerning the size and switchability that are maintained when the compound is integrated into composite materials. Here, we report the synthesis of [Fe(Leq)(Lax)]n coordination polymer (CP) nanoparticles using self-assembled polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer (BCP) micelles as template. Variation of the solvent (THF and toluene) and the rigidity of the axial ligand Lax (Lax = 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethane) (bpea), trans-1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (bpee), and 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethyne) (bpey); Leq = 1,2-phenylenebis(iminomethylidyne)-bis(2,4-pentanedionato)(2−)) allowed the determination of the preconditions for the selective formation of nanoparticles. A low solubility of the CP in the used solvent and a high stability of the Fe–L bond with regard to ligand exchange are necessary for the formation of composite nanoparticles where the BCP micelle is filled with the CP, as in the case of the [FeLeq(bpey)]n@BCP. Otherwise, in the case of more flexible ligands or ligands that lead to high spin complexes, the formation of microcrystals next to the CP–BCP nanoparticles is observed above a certain concentration of [Fe(Leq)(Lax)]n. The core of the nanoparticles is about 45 nm in diameter due to the templating effect of the BCP micelle, independent of the used iron complex and [Fe(Leq)(Lax)]n concentration. The spin-crossover properties of the composite material are similar to those of the bulk for FeLeq(bpea)]n@BCP while pronounced differences are observed in the case of [FeLeq(bpey)]n@BCP nanoparticles

Investigation of the Voltage-Induced Damage Progression on the Raceway Surfaces of Thrust Ball Bearings

In the course of the electrification of powertrains, rolling element bearings are increasingly subject to electrical damage. In contrast to mechanically generated pittings, voltage-induced surface damage is a continuous process. Though several approaches for the description of the damage state of a bearing are known, a generally accepted quantification for the bearing damage has not been established yet. This paper investigates surface properties, which can be used as a metric damage scale for the quantification of the electric bearing damage progression. For this purpose, the requirements for suitable surface properties are defined. Afterwards, thrust ball bearings are installed on a test rig, with constantly loaded mechanically and periodically damaged electrically in multiple phases. After each phase, the bearings are disassembled, the bearing surfaces are graded and measured for 45 different standardized surface properties. These properties are evaluated with the defined requirements. For the ones meeting the requirements, critical levels are presented, which allow for a quantified distinction between grey frosting and corrugation surfaces. These values are compared with measurements presented in the literature showing that the identified surface properties are suitable for the quantification of electrical bearing damages

Impedance measurement of rolling bearings using an unbalanced AC wheatstone bridge

Industry 4.0 drives the demand for cost-efficient and reliable process data and condition monitoring. Therefore, visualizing the state of tribological contacts becomes important, as they are regularly found in the center of many applications. Utilizing rolling element bearings as sensors and monitoring their health by the electrical impedance method are promising approaches as it allows e.g. load sensing and detection of bearing failures. The impedance cannot be measured directly, but there are various methods available. This paper discusses advantages and disadvantages and suggests the AC Wheatstone bridge as a reliable way of measuring impedances with low phase angles at sampling rates in the kHz range. The corresponding equations are introduced, a simulation built, an uncertainty mode and effects analysis carried out and sample measurement results of real rolling elements shown. It can be demonstrated that the AC Wheatstone bridge meets the proposed requirements for sensory utilization and condition monitoring when the bearing is operated in the hydrodynamic regime