IMPACT OF LOADS ON LOCOMOTIVE MOTOR AXLE BEARINGS ON THE CONDITIONS OF FORMATION OF OIL FILM ON FRICTION SURFACES

Abstract

During the active operation of locomotives, a significant portion of failures (up to 20 %) is attributed to the malfunction of motor-axial bearings. This is due to the imperfection of the lubrication system of the motor-axial bearings, the proper functioning of which largely depends on various factors such as climatic conditions, the level of wear of lubricating oil, and lubrication devices, among others. There is a need to improve the existing lubrication systems for motor-axial sliding bearings. One of the methods to address this issue involves examining the factors influencing the lubrication process of the friction surfaces of motor-axial bearings and the conditions of lubricant material supply. The article provides calculations of the loading forces on the motor-axial bearings, their action vectors, and analyzes the impact of these parameters on the ability to form an oil film on the friction surfaces of motor-axial bearings. To determine the magnitude of the load, technical specifications of the locomotive were used, and the relationship between power usage and locomotive speed was analyzed. The study involved an analysis of recent publications regarding the generation of contact pressure force between the contact surfaces of friction pairs, the magnitude of which exceeds permissible limits, considered one of the primary factors leading to bearing failure. Additionally, the existing bearing lubrication system used on the locomotive was analyzed, its shortcomings were identified, and methods for addressing these issues were discussed. The calculations were performed for the 2TE116 locomotive with traction electric motors ED-118B, based on the operational characteristics of the locomotive in the speed range of 0-80 km/h.