Predicting the duration a bearing can operate reliably under specified conditions is essential in engineering. This prediction involves assessing factors like load, speed, lubrication, and operating temperature, often using standardized formulas like the L10 life calculation. For instance, if a calculation predicts a 10,000-hour L10 life, it means that 90% of identical bearings operating under those conditions are expected to last at least that long.
Accurate estimations of bearing endurance are crucial for preventing costly downtime, optimizing maintenance schedules, and selecting appropriate bearings for specific applications. Historically, these estimations relied on empirical data and simplified models. Advances in materials science, tribology, and computational methods have enabled more sophisticated and precise estimations, contributing to improved machine reliability and efficiency.