A tomographic method to predict forces in a rolling element bearings

Typically methods to detect defects in roller bearings rely on measuring vibrations. There has been a lot of work on signal processing to get the clearest sign of defects appearing on different components. Here we ask how can modelling the elastic waves in the raceway, or other cylindrical components, improve methods that monitor roller bearing vibrations. One clear improvement is that we can predict stress profile on the raceway. By describing and solving for the elastic waves we first deduce a method for elastic tomography in a cylindrical case. Then, to significantly reduce the number of sensors required, we show how to use prior information of the source of vibration, such as the contacts from the rollers. We some examples of recovering the traction profile in the bearing raceway.