Rolling element bearing defect frequencies are typically what?

Rolling element bearing defect frequencies are typically classified as non-synchronous. This is due to the nature of how bearings operate and the interaction between the rolling elements and the raceways. When there is a defect in a rolling element bearing, such as a spall or a crack, it leads to impacts and vibrations that are not consistently timed in relation to the rotational speed of the bearing.

Instead of producing constant rhythmical signals that align with the rotational speed, defects generate a range of frequencies that can vary based on several factors, including the speed of the machinery and the type of defect present. The randomness of these interactions means that the signals captured from defective bearings do not have a fixed relationship to the rotation, hence they are categorized as non-synchronous.

In contrast, synchronous frequencies arise from fault conditions that occur in regular intervals with respect to the rotational speed, such as a misalignment or unbalance which would produce consistent patterns. Static frequencies would refer to constant, unchanging vibrations without the input of motion or rotation, while dynamic frequencies would still be tied to the actual movement of the components. Therefore, the classification of bearing defect frequencies as non-synchronous is accurate and reflects the complex and variable nature of defect-induced vibrations in rolling element bearings.