Calculation of radial load distribution on ball and roller bearings with positive, negative and zero clearance

Abstract

The load distribution on rolling elements is one of the most important operating characteristics of a bearing. In this paper, a mathematical model for the calculation of radial load distribution on ball and roller bearings with positive, negative and zero clearance is derived and presented. A predeformation model for bearings with nonzero clearance is proposed. Based on contact deformation and Hertz elastic contact theory, inner raceway contact force is calculated and is used for static equilibrium equation, which could avoid calculate the series of stiffness of inner and outer raceway contact deformation. The static equilibrium equation is solved by a loop which aims to delete inactive rolling elements. The obtained results are compared with results of Harris and Stribeck method and found to be in close or identical agreement.