On the Geometrical Imperfections in Ball Bearings

Abstract

Computer simulations of dynamic bearing performance, as obtained by the computer code ADORE, are used to develop correlations between key performance parameters and geometrical imperfections in both oil and solid lubricated ball bearings. The influence of race out-of-roundness, variation in groove curvatures and the variation in ball size, is modeled in terms of the effects on bearing life, heat generation and cage stability characteristics. The results demonstate the significance of the computer modeling approach to optimization of geometrical tolerances in practical bearing design.