Rolling elements are widely used as low friction joints between rotating machine

components. Since the rotational motion is often a significant function of the overall system, such as
wheels on a train, rollers in a paper mill, or a rotor on a helicopter, proper functioning of a bearing
over its designed life cycle is of vital importance to ensure product quality, prevent machine damage
or even loss of human life.
Rolling element bearings are a common component in machinery. Therefore they have received
great attention in the field of condition monitoring. Rolling element bearings are manufactured by
assembling different components: The rolling elements, the outer ring and the inner ring, which are
in contact under heavy dynamic loads and relatively high speeds. When a rolling element strikes a
localized defect an impulse occurs and this excites the resonances of the structure. The vibration
signature of a damaged bearing consists of exponentially decaying ringing.
The bearing vibration signals are modeled as a combination of different sources such as fault,
modulation due to non-uniform loading, flexural bearing modes, and machinery induced vibrations
and noise.
Each mechanical defect generates vibration in its own unique way. This makes it possible to
positively identify a mechanical problem by simply measuring and studying its vibration
characteristics. The success of a process industry often depends on the continued, safe and
productive operation of rotating machinery. An effective maintenance program is vital to this kind of
success. The quality of the companys maintenance program determines how long the machines will
run, how safe they are for the people working around them.