Failure Analysis of a Needle Roller Bearing in a Megawatt Reciprocating Pump

Abstract

In this paper, bearing failure was reported for a needle roller bearing used as intermediate support in a pinion shaft system. Severe deformation and wear were noticed on the working surface of the failed needle roller and around the window lintel of the bearing cage. The geometry, materials and hardness of the failed needle roller bearing were analyzed. Appearance detection, SEM and EDS analyses were carried out for clarifying the potential reasons of the needle roller bearing failure. The effect of radial displacement, Hertz contact stress and misalignment on the service life of the needle roller bearing were discussed. The excessive deformation and misalignment, resulting from the unbalanced loading and improper assembly, are the likely cause of the needle roller bearing failure.