Effect of two inner-ring oil-flow distribution schemes on the operating characteristics of a 35 millimeter bore ball bearing to 2.5 million DN

Abstract

Parametric tests were conducted with a 35-mm-bore, split-inner-ring ball bearing with a double-inner-land-guided cage. Provisions were made for through-the-inner-ring lubrication. Test condictions were either a thrust load of 667 N (150 lb) or a combined load of 667 N (150 lb) thrust and 222 N (50 lb) radial, shaft speeds from 32000 to 72000 rpm, and an oil-inlet temperature of 394 K (250 deg F). Outer ring cooling was used in some tests. Tests were run with either 50 or 75 percent of the total oil flow distributed to the inner-ring raceway. Successful operation was experienced with both 50% and 75% flow patterns to 2.5 million DN. Cooling the outer ring had little effect on inner-ring temperature; however, the outer-ring temperature decreased as much as 7% at 2.5 million DN. Maximum recorded power loss was 3.1 kW (4.2 hp), and maximum cage slip was 8.7 percent. Both occurred at a shaft speed of 72000 rpm, a lubricant flow rate of 1900 cu/min (0.50 gal/min), a combined load, and no outer-ring cooling