What does "brinelling" indicate in the context of bearing failure?

Brinelling refers to a specific type of damage that occurs in bearings, characterized by the formation of small indentations on the surface of the rolling elements or raceways. This condition typically arises when a bearing is subjected to excessive loads that exceed its design limits. The resultant indentations are often permanent and indicate that the bearing has been overloaded to the point where the material has been permanently deformed.

In this context, the correct identification of brinelling highlights its association with surface wear due to excessive loading. The presence of these indentations indicates that the load-bearing capabilities of the bearing have been compromised, leading to potential failure of the bearing system if not addressed. Understanding brinelling is crucial for maintenance and reliability in engineering, as it helps in identifying the necessity for load recalibration or system redesign to prevent future occurrences.

Other options, while related to bearing failures, do not accurately describe brinelling. A sudden loss of lubrication typically leads to overheating or galling, but it does not specifically manifest as indentations. An increase in friction is often symptomatic of bearing wear or damage but does not define brinelling itself. Misalignment might cause uneven wear or stress on the bearing but would not specifically result in the indentations characteristic of brinelling