A high-speed rolling bearing test rig supported by sliding bearing

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a high-speed rolling bearing test rig supported by sliding bearing and its first experimental results. Design/methodology/approach Through analyzing the disadvantages of using rolling bearing as supporting bearing, the bottlenecks that need to be resolved urgently in the development of rolling bearing experimental technology, and the advantages of the sliding bearing, this study used the sliding bearing as the supporting bearing for the high-speed rolling bearing test rig for the purpose of prolonging the service life, increasing the load capacity and promoting the operating stability. Findings The experimental results show that the high-speed rolling bearing test rig supported by sliding bearing could stably rotate at 70,800 rpm without installing the test bearing; the temperature of the sliding bearing is increasing with the rotating speed and the maximum is less than 95°C. Moreover, the new test rig, installing an angular contact ball bearing as test bearing, could also stably rotate at 54,000 rpm with 2 kN axial load and 1 kN radial load; the temperature of the sliding bearing is increasing with the rotating speed and the maximum temperature is less than 97°C. Practical implications Rolling test rig has been established. Originality/value This paper proposes a high-speed rolling bearing test rig supported by sliding bearing, which greatly prolongs the service life, increases the load capacity and promotes the operating stability, moreover, reduces the risk of supporting bearing failure before the test bearing. This paper can also provide a new idea and reference for the design of similar bearing test rig. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2020-0085/