An Analytical Investigation of Three Race-Retainer Interface Configurations for a 100-mm Bore Ball Bearing

摘要

The report presents an analytical investigation of three race-retainer interface configurations (smooth, partially grooved and fully grooved) for a 100-mm bore ball bearing geometry. These analyses were performed in an effort to optimize the inner-race-retainer interface configuration from the standpoint of increasing hydrodynamic load-carrying capacity, increasing lubricant availability (flow rate), enhancing retainer stability and minimizing frictional torque. Values of these parameters were determined for each of the three interface configurations at five different bearing speeds, at three different radial clearances between the retainer and bearing inner-race, and at five different values of eccentricity ratio for the race-retainer combination. For the fully grooved configuration only, the effects of groove angle and groove depth were investigated. Of the three configurations investigated, the smooth configuration was found to provide the most satisfactory bearing performance. In terms of offering the most hope for increasing bearing performance, the fully grooved configuration appeared to be most suitable. (Author)