A procedure based on graph theory and matrix approach has been developed fo
r the reliability evaluation and selection of a rolling element bearing for
an application. The reliability of the bearing is evaluated considering re
liability of its elements and their connections. This is modeled in terms o
f Reliability Graph of a Rolling Element Bearing. This graph is represented
by an equivalent matrix called Rolling Element Bearing Reliability Permane
nt Matrix to obtain a matrix function-Reliability Permanent Function. This
function is the characteristic of reliability of the rolling element bearin
g for the application. Reliability Index (R-I) of the bearing is also defin
ed. It is a numerical measure of the bearing reliability and is obtained by
substituting reliability value of the bearing elements and their connectio
ns in the matrix function. The paper also suggests how to assess these reli
ability values to obtain the index. The proposed procedure is useful for de
signers and practicing engineers for selection of an optimum bearing for a
given application. The methodology is illustrated by means of an example. (
C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.