Measuring load distribution on the outer raceways of rotating machines

In mechanical bearings, external loads are transferred from one raceway to another through the rolling elements. The load distribution on the rolling elements is uneven, and it depends on several intrinsic properties of the bearing's geometry and load's amplitude. It is mandatory to fully understand the load's distribution in order to determine each load that is transferred through the rolling elements. Former assessment allows calculating the external loading applied to the bearing. In this paper an experimental device is developed by the means of capacitive probes. It accurately measures the displacements of the raceway as the rolling elements pass by. The relation between the displacements and the loads is proportional as we remain within the linear range of the material. The efforts can therefore be easily determined. Numerical simulations as well as prototype experiments confirm the relevance of the device. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.