Analysis of the Thermal Flow Field in the Bearing Cavity of Double-Rotor Cylindrical Roller Bearing with Under-Race Lubrication

Abstract

Abstract To solve the problem of high-temperature failure of double-rotor cylindrical roller bearing with under-race lubrication. Fluent meshing, the volume of fluid (VOF) method, and multiple reference frame (MRF) method were used to simulate and analyze the flow field and temperature field in the cavity of a double-rotor cylindrical roller bearing. The effect of the outer race speed on the flow field and temperature field in the bearing cavity was studied when the inner race speed of the bearing was constant. The following conclusions were drawn from the simulation results: (1) When the inner and outer races rotate in the opposite direction, the lubricating oil in the bearing cavity is primarily driven by the rotation of the roller; (2) When the inner and outer races rotate in the same direction, the lubricating oil is mainly driven by the revolution of the roller and the cage, that is, the lubricating oil in the outer race of the bearing is more; (3) The larger the speed difference between the inner and outer races, the higher the friction temperature rise in the bearing cavity; (4) When the outer race rotates, the viscosity temperature rise in the bearing cavity increases, and when the inner and outer races rotate in the same direction, the viscosity temperature rise increases faster; (5) The rotational speed of the cage and roller is the principal factor affecting the viscosity temperature rise of the bearing lubricating oil.