Vibration of rotating rolling bearings is a complex physical phenomenon dependent on the conditions of operation. Measuring the vibration output of an individual bearing under a certain set of conditions does not necessarily characterize the vibration output under a different set of condition, and assessment of the audible sound generated by the mechanical system incorporating the bearing is complicated further by the influence of the interface conditions, the location and orientation of the sensing device, and the acoustical environment in which the system operates.
Structure-borne vibration can be considered the driving mechanism that ultimately results in the generation of airborne noise. Only selected methods for the measurement of the structure-borne vibration of rotating rolling bearings are addressed in the current edition of BS ISO 15242 (all parts).
Vibration of rotating rolling bearings can be assessed by any of a number of means using various types of transducers and test conditions. A knowledge of the type of bearing, its application and the purpose of the vibration testing is required to select the most suitable method for testing.
The field of application for standards on bearing vibration is, therefore, not universal. However, certain methods have established a wide enough level of application to be considered as standard methods for the purposes of this Stanards.
BS ISO 15242-4:2007 specifies vibration measuring methods for single-row and double-row radial cylindrical roller bearings, under established test conditions. It covers single-row and double-row radial cylindrical roller bearings with cylindrical bore and outside surface.
