The Effects of Current Leakage on Electroadhesion Forces in Rolling Friction and Magnetic Flux Density Distribution on the Surface of Rolling Element Bearings

The present work deals with the investigations carried out on the various rolling element bearings after being operated under the influence of electric fields, and pure rolling friction on the roller bearing test machine. The significant magnetic flux density was detected on surfaces of the bearings lubricated with low-resistivity grease under the influence of electrical fields. No such phenomenon was observed either on bearings using high or low-resistivity greases under pure rolling friction or on bearings lubricated with high-resistivity grease under the influence of electrical fields. New bearing surfaces do not show significant magnetic flux density but it has been detected after long operation on different motor bearings, lubricated with low resistivity greases. The electroadhesion forces in the bearings using low-resistivity greases increase under the influence of electrical fields in contrast to those with high resistivity greases. Under pure rolling friction resistivity of greases do not affect the electroadhesion forces. The investigations reported in this paper along with the study of damaged/corrugated surfaces, and deterioration of the used greases [1, 2, 3], the leakage of current leading to failure of the noninsulated motor bearings can be established.