Investigation of the Effect of Rolling Bearing Construction on Internal Load Distribution and the Number of Active Rolling Elements

Abstract

One of the most important characteristics of a rolling bearing is the load distribution on rolling elements. This paper provides an analysis on the influence of the internal construction of rolling bearings on load distribution and the number of active rolling elements. The analysis was performed using a new mathematical model for the boundary level calculations of the bearing deflection and external radial load for the inner ring support onqrolling bearing elements. The model considers two boundary positions of inner ring support on an even and odd number of rolling elements. The developed model enables a very simple determination of the number of active rolling elements participating in an external load transfer, depending on the bearing type and internal radial clearance.