The impulse response of a rolling bearing and its principal component, the elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication film (EHDL), are analysed. When measuring the vibrations of bearings, we observed that the impulse response was mostly caused by defects (fatigue damage) on the raceways and/or rolling elements. However, this phenomenon can also occur in new defect-free roller bearings, where it is not commonly expected. This study presents an experiment that identifies the conditions of dynamic excitation for the impulse response of the EHDL, the source of which is not defects, but the EHDL itself. The EHDL responds in the form of impulses in case the velocity of its radial deformation is too fast. This is an unfavourable phenomenon that significantly shortens the service life of bearings. To analyse the dynamic excitation conditions, a testing bench at speeds up to 135,000 rpm with a flat belt drive was used. The testing bench enabled the formation of the so-called beat excitation from two harmonic excitation forces close in rotational frequency. The subject of this study is a defect-free high-speed double-row angular contact ball bearing used in the textile industry. We also present other physical conditions for the occurrence of undesired impulse responses that are caused by the EHDL.
Keywords: bearing life; beating excitation cycle; elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication film; fatigue damage; impulse response.