Separation factor measurement module

The friction in a ball/roll-bearings can have a decisive factor in the bearings functionality.In a rotating bearing the metallic surfaces are separated by a thin layer of lubricating oil in order to reduce friction and extend life of the bearing.Due to various factors, the metallic surfaces goes through the oil layer and come in direct contact with each other.In order to monitor and analyze the amount of contact a single conditioning unit has been developed.SKF:s testing department have recently moved in to new facilities and are undergoing extensive upgrades.The existing measuring module are from 1980 and has become outdated and the lack of documentation makes the design hard to maintain.There are also some improvements that needs to be done in order for the module to fit in the new interface in the updated electric design.The project included the selection of components, simulations of the hardware and design of a printed circuit board.Software to the module and for some communication with LabView has also been developed.