Book excerpt: Bearings are widely used in rotating machines. Understanding the factors affecting their reliability and service life is essential in ensuring good machine design and performance. Solving tribology problems in rotating machines reviews these factors and their implications for improved machine performance.The first two chapters review ways of assessing the performance and reliability of rolling-element bearings. The author then goes on to discuss key performance problems and the factors affecting bearing reliability. There are chapters on cage and roller slip, and particular types of failure in equipment such as alternators, condensers and pumps. The author also reviews the effects of such factors as localised electrical currents, seating, clearance, grades of lubricant, axial forces, vibration on performance and service life. The book concludes by reviewing ways of improving bearing design.Solving tribology problems in rotating machines is an essential reference for engineers involved in the design and operation of rotating machines in such sectors as power generation, electrical and automotive engineering. - Discusses improved machine performance - Examines factors affecting bearing reliability - An essential reference for engineers