Bearings 1 – Fundamentals

Bearings are critical components in rotating machinery, supporting loads and reducing friction between moving parts. Proper lubrication is essential to ensure smooth operation, minimize wear, and extend bearing life. However, different bearing types require different lubrication strategies, and understanding the factors that influence lubricant performance is key to achieving optimal reliability and efficiency.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of bearing lubrication, covering fundamental concepts such as lubrication regimes, the Stribeck curve, and the differences between various bearing types. Participants will learn how lubrication affects different bearing designs, including plain bearings, rolling element bearings, tilt pad bearings, and slideways. The course also covers key factors such as viscosity selection, film formation, and common lubrication challenges encountered in industrial and mechanical systems.

Designed for maintenance professionals, reliability engineers, and lubrication specialists, this course equips participants with the knowledge to optimize bearing lubrication, improve machine performance, and prevent premature failure.

Course Modules:
Bearings 01 01 – Lubrication Regimes
Understand the three primary lubrication regimes—boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic lubrication—and how they impact bearing performance and longevity.

Bearings 01 02 – Stribeck Curve
Explore the Stribeck curve, a key model that illustrates the relationship between friction, viscosity, and operating conditions in bearing lubrication.

Bearings 01 03 – Bearing Types
Learn about the various types of bearings used in industrial applications, including their design, function, and how lubrication needs vary across different bearing configurations.

Bearings 01 04 – Slideways and Guides
Discover the lubrication requirements of slideways and linear guides, including the challenges of stick-slip motion and the role of friction modifiers in improving motion control.

Bearings 01 05 – Plain Bearings
Examine the lubrication characteristics of plain (journal) bearings, including hydrodynamic film formation, oil wedge effects, and the impact of operating conditions on wear and performance.

Bearings 01 06 – Rolling Element Bearings
Understand how lubrication affects rolling element bearings, including grease vs. oil lubrication, film thickness requirements, and common failure modes such as micropitting and skidding.

Bearings 01 07 – Tilt Pad Bearings
Learn about tilt pad bearings, their self-aligning properties, and how lubrication plays a role in stabilizing high-speed rotating equipment such as turbines and compressors.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the role of lubrication in different bearing types and applications.
• Learn how lubrication regimes influence friction and wear in bearings.
• Apply the Stribeck curve to optimize lubrication strategies.
• Identify best practices for selecting lubricants for plain bearings, rolling element bearings, and tilt pad bearings.
• Develop proactive maintenance strategies to prevent bearing failures and extend equipment life.

This course is ideal for reliability engineers, lubrication technicians, and maintenance professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of bearing lubrication. By mastering lubrication principles and best practices, participants will improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and extend bearing service life.