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The phenomenon described in the question relates specifically to false brinelling, which occurs due to vibration while the bearing is stationary. In this case, the rolling elements of the bearing do not rotate, but vibrations can lead to a localized wear pattern that mirrors the arrangement of the rolling elements. These marks become evident on the raceway surface, appearing at regular intervals corresponding to the positioning of the rollers.

This is a significant issue because it can lead to premature failure of the bearings, even though they may not have been subjected to extreme loads. False brinelling typically manifests in applications where bearings are stationary for extended periods yet exposed to vibrations, showcasing the importance of understanding how vibrations affect bearing performance.

In contrast, true brinelling involves actual deformation of the raceway under heavy loads, surface fatigue refers to the gradual deterioration of the material under stress cycling, and a wear pattern generally describes any observable pattern resulting from wear, which can be influenced by numerous factors beyond just vibration.