Static load shared by balls in a variable clearance deep groove ball bearing

Abstract

The performance and life of the ball bearing significantly depends on its operating clearance. To comprehend the fact, the present investigation aims to maximize the load carrying capacity of deep groove ball bearing by modifying the geometry of center locus of outer race groove curvature from circular to elliptical in pursuance to make clearance variable. However, the limit of variation in clearance value, must be in particular range for smooth operation of ball bearing. Consequently, the range of clearance value is also analyzed newlinein specific. The detailed mathematical model is developed for load- deformation relationship of variable clearance ball bearing subjected to radial, axial and combined radial, axial and moment load. The effect of relative movement of bearing races on ball azimuth angle is also incorporated in the mathematical model. Thereafter using contact model of Hertz s theory and Newton s Rapson iterative method, internal load shared by balls are estimated. The presence of variable clearance steers the early participation of balls in the load region other than heavily loaded ball/balls. As a result, the degree of participation of heavily loaded ball/balls decreases. Apart of load distribution, the influence of variable clearance on other bearing parameters such as contact angle, active number of balls and outer race position angle are also discussed in detail. newline