Title

Fundamentals of Rolling-Element Bearing Lubrication

Description

The basic processes of lubrication at the rolling-contact regions between the elements and races in bearings are discussed. Lubricant film-thickness and contact-deformation data with various lubricants in a precision rolling-disk machine, using a special X-ray method, are presented. These data show that lubricant films significantly thicker than molecular dimensions exist at bearing contacts under many practical conditions, and that significant deviations from Hertzian stresses can occur by the action of lubricant pressures, particularly at the edges of the bearing contact regions. Here the lubricant must withstand high shear stresses under rapidly changing pressures to effectively separate bearing surfaces. Even if appreciable breakdown of the lubricant film occurs in the near-contact region, the high-pressure shear behavior of the lubricant at the edges of the contact may still affect bearing contact stresses significantly.

Creator

Sibley, L. B.

Orcutt, F. K.

Allen, C. M.

Format

1 online resource (15 pages) : ill.

Type

article

Abstract

The basic processes of lubrication at the rolling-contact regions between the elements and races in bearings are discussed. Lubricant film-thickness and contact-deformation data with various lubricants in a precision rolling-disk machine, using a special X-ray method, are presented. These data show that lubricant films significantly thicker than molecular dimensions exist at bearing contacts under many practical conditions, and that significant deviations from Hertzian stresses can occur by the action of lubricant pressures, particularly at the edges of the bearing contact regions. Here the lubricant must withstand high shear stresses under rapidly changing pressures to effectively separate bearing surfaces. Even if appreciable breakdown of the lubricant film occurs in the near-contact region, the high-pressure shear behavior of the lubricant at the edges of the contact may still affect bearing contact stresses significantly.

Extent

15

Corporate Author

Battelle Memorial Institute

Report Number

ASD-TDR-62-465 p. 77-91

Report Availability

Full text available

Date

1962

Date Issued

1962-05

Contract

AF 33(616)-7223

DoD Project

3044

DoD Task

30169

30340

Distribution Classification

1

Distribution Conflict

No

Index Abstract

Contrails only

Relation

This paper was published in the Proceedings Of The Air Force-Navy-Industry Propulsion Systems Lubricants Conference held in San Antonio, Texas on 15, 16, and 17 November 1960

Identifier

AD0278843

Is Part Of

Proceedings Of The Air Force-Navy-Industry Propulsion Systems Lubricants Conference