Experimental and numerical transient thermal analysis of the idler bearing housing made of steel or polymer material

Abstract

The research of the influence of housing material on operation temperature of the idler bearing assembly is presented in this paper. Several radial loads and rotary speeds were applied to the test bench to determine the transient temperature field. The results were monitored and recorded for the whole period until the temperature of the assembly reached stationary stage. FEM model was created where the rolling elements were replaced with the especially designed artificial body, having the shape of irregular ring. It generates heat and connects only those points of the inner and outer ring which are in operating conditions connected with the rolling elements. The experimental results are compared with FEM results. The conclusion is given on suitability of polymer material for this purpose.