Research procedure of radial clearances in rolling bearings

Abstract

In the result of the rolling bearing research it has been found that the bearing radial clearance, especially with a small number z of rolling elements z<15 besides technological factors depends on the rolling element location in the bearing during measurement. During operation the simple rolling bearing design is characterized by complex dynamic processes. In theoretical mechanics general technical calculations are carried out for absolutely rigid bodies that are not deformed during the working load application. This position is completely used in design diagrams as the deformations of races and rolling elements are not taken into consideration. If the bearing is manufactured and operated with a nominally reasonable value of the radial clearance, then the probability of its successful operation will be very high. During the bearing manufacturing it’s necessary to take into consideration the radial clearance as a geometric parameter along with other dimensions of the bearing. Analytical expressions for the radial clearance calculation have been obtained for the first time for odd and even layouts of the rolling element location in the bearing operating area. The calculation results for definite bearings are given. The justification of initial clearances and creation of the analytical method for the radial clearance determination represent a crucial task of the rolling bearing theory.