Parametric Testing and Heat Generation Modeling of 133-mm Bore Ball Bearings: Part I—Results with Metal Rolling Elements

Abstract

133 mm bore ball bearings with metal rolling elements were tested at the following conditions: speeds from 1.5 × 106 to 2.6 × 106 DN; thrust loads from 13,350 to 53,400 N; oil delivery temperatures from 66 to 121°C; and oil flow rates from 7.3 to 11.4 L/min. The resulting bearing outer race temperature, oil exit temperature, and power loss determined from the shaft torque and power loss determined from the oil temperature rise are reported. Experimental power loss values are compared to the analytical results obtained with the computer code SHABERTH.The experimental data are also fitted to an empirical equation to predict the total bearing power loss. The results indicate that bearing operating temperature is a challenge for next-generation engines, primarily driven by limits of polyolester lubricants used in gas turbine engines. The results also indicate that the computer code SHABERTH underpredicts the bearing lower loss at high load conditions. A new empirical model was able to reasonably predict the bearing power loss over the conditions studied.