Effect of relative movement between bearing races on load distribution on ball bearings

Abstract

The current study presents the influence of relative motion between inner race and outer race in the presence of radial clearance. This relative motion alters the angular positions of any consecutive balls (balls) with respect to the bearing axis. Hence, the quasi-static analytical study shows the effects of alteration in angle of contact on the load distribution by balls. Based on the Hertz elastic contact theory the contact deformation between balls and races is determined. Further, a geometrical model of ball bearing is developed to establish the relation among the distributed loads, ball contact deformation, external applied load and internal radial clearance. The results show an improvement in load distribution by balls by considering two different positions of balls within the races. The proposed model is also compared at different angular displacement of ball and justifies the effect of relative motion between bearing races.