ROOTCASTLE / ENGINEERING LAB
Bearing defects
A local defect on a rolling surface can generate impacts as contacts pass it.
Mechanism
A local defect on a rolling surface can generate impacts as contacts pass it.
Typical symptoms
High-frequency impacts and characteristic frequencies in the envelope spectrum may appear.
Measurement method
Acquire acceleration with sufficient bandwidth; document the envelope band and sensor mounting.
Alternative explanations
Poor lubrication, electrical effects and process impacts can produce similar energy.
Additional measurements
Bearing geometry, load, speed, lubricant analysis, temperature and time trend.
Likely frequency components
BPFO, BPFI, BSF, FTF ± 1×
Limitations: without speed, load, mounting and transmission-path context, these examples are not diagnoses. Spectrum examples are conceptual, not complete fault models or field measurements.
SIMULATED · NOT LIVE TELEMETRY
Vibration / FFT
Model and assumptions
512 samples; deterministic sinusoids and seeded noise. FFT is one-sided peak amplitude, not RMS. Δf = fs/N. Hann coherent gain is corrected; spectral leakage can remain. The 4.7× component is not a physical bearing-fault model.
Educational model. Results are not sufficient to diagnose a machine or establish safe operating limits.
Further reading: SKF — Vibrations help find faulty components ↗