Rolling Bearing Life Prediction. Corrections for Material and Operating Conditions. Part I: General Model and Basic Life

Abstract

Computer based rolling bearing analysis programs exist which provide models for load and stress distribution, EHD conditions, heat balance and fatigue life prediction for rolling bearings and machine assemblies comprising such bearings. Fatigue life prediction is generally based on the ANSI standard. This two-part paper offers correction factors for refining the life prediction by modeling effects of material and operating variables. The corrections can be applied to the ANSI-predicted life of a complete bearing or to predicted lives of stressed volume elements in the bearing, with subsequent summation over the stressed volumes. Formulations are presented with a view to their incorporation into dynamic bearing analysis computer programs. This first part of the paper comprises the general model, basic life calculation and the nomenclature for both parts of the paper.