Overcurrent corrosion
Failure mode
Fretting wear arising from small-amplitude sliding and rolling at bearing contact surfaces manifests as fretting (wear) corrosion and pseudo‑indentations, respectively; these two wear mechanisms are distinct.
Overcurrent corrosion
Sequential removal of materials
High current: spark
Localized heating in an extremely short time
Melting/Welding
The pit depth reaches 0.5 mm.
Failure mechanism
Principle:
When current passes through the bearing—specifically, when it flows from one race to the other via the rolling elements—damage occurs.
(Figure 1).
The contact process is similar to arc welding, generating a high current density over a very small contact area (Figure 2).
The steel is heated to temperatures ranging from tempering to melting, resulting in discoloration zones of varying appearance and size. Within these zones, the material has been tempered, then hardened or melted; spherical particle accumulations also form at the interfaces where the material melts and fractures (Figure 3).
Excess material in the contact area can lead to wear or surface‑originated spalling (Figure 4).
Phenomenon:
Spherical particle accumulation on the raceways and rings. Occasionally, zigzag‑shaped burns appear in the raceways of ball bearings. Localized burns on the raceways and rolling elements.
Excessive current passing through the rollers of a spherical roller bearing results in significant pitting, which is markedly amplified. The extent of the damage, including the pitted areas and the melted and solidified material, can be clearly observed, as shown in the figure below. Excessive current flowing through the rollers of a spherical roller bearing results in significant pitting, which is markedly amplified. The extent of the damage, including the pitted areas and the melted and solidified material, can be clearly observed, as shown in the figure below:
1. Configure and troubleshoot the circuit to prevent current from passing through the bearings;
2. Use insulated bearings.
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