Marine engine bearings failure analysis

DC White have recently been requested to carry out inspections of two large marine diesel bearings by a major fleet operator. The bearings failed prematurely and the fleet operator sought an independent opinion in order to assist in negotiations with the engine manufacturers. The first bearing was a main bearing and the second a crosshead bearing. The first had run for 15,000 hours and the second for 33,000 hours. A visual and microscopic examination was carried out of both bearings. It was apparent from the examination that failure of the bond had occurred as over dis-bonded areas there was no evidence of bonded fragments of the parent bearing material. This finding was consistent with observations previously made during similar bearing examinations. Bond failure, after lubrication failure, is one of the more common causes of plain bearing failure. It was concluded that both bearings had suffered dis-bonding of the bearing material due to an inadequate bond with the parent material, exacerbated by fatigue. The remedial options are then for the bearings to be re-manufactured, though it is more likely this would lead to shorter usable life versus installation of replacement bearings.

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