Parametric Testing and Heat Generation Modeling of 133-mm Bore Ball Bearings: Part I—Results with Metal Rolling Elements

Abstract

Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433133 mm bore ball bearings with metal rolling elements were tested at the following conditions: speeds from 1.5 × 10 6 to 2.6 × 10 6 DN; thrust loads from 13,350 to 53,400 N; oil delivery temperatures from 66 to 121 • C; and oil flow rates from 7.3 to 11.4 L/min. The resulting bearing outer race temperature, oil exit temperature, and power loss determined from the shaft torque and power loss determined from the oil temperature rise are reported. Experimental power loss values are compared to the analytical results obtained with the computer code SHABERTH.The experimental data are also fitted to an empirical equation to predict the total bearing power loss. The results indicate that bearing operating temperature is a challenge for next-generation engines, primarily driven by limits of polyolester lubricants used in gas turbine engines. The results also indicate that the computer code SHABERTH underpredicts the bearing lower loss at high load conditions. A new empirical model was able to reasonably predict the bearing power loss over the conditions studied.

Thermal interactions in rolling bearings

“…The 133 mm angular contact ball bearing considered in the present investigation is the one published by Forster et al. 6 along with experimental data on the inlet and exit lubricant temperature at the various operating conditions. The lubricant quantity, which leaks out the bearing, was not measured in these tests.…”

“…Experimental data on this bearing are obtained as a part of a project at Rolls-Royce Corporation. The second bearing is the 133 mm angular contact ball bearing, used by Forster et al 6,7 ; the experimental heat generation data are available in the publications. Finally, experimental data on a 146.50 mm bore cylindrical roller bearing are also obtained at Rolls-Royce.…”

“…Thus, when churning and drag losses constitute majority of overall bearing heat generation, the heat generation predictions by the quasi-static models remain relatively insensitive to load. Recently, Forster et al, 6,7 while presenting an empirical bearing heat generation model for a 133 mm bore angular contact ball bearing in terms of a simple correlation between experimentally measured heat generation and several operational variables, have demonstrated that heat generation predicted by SHABERTH is relatively insensitive to applied load. Subsequent to this work, Nicholson et al 8 used ADORE 9 to demonstrate that the dynamic model, which includes effect of lubricant traction, does show a load dependence of bearing heat generation.…”

Design of Jet Control Device for Forced Lubrication System of Bearing

“…As one of the key components, the requirements for bearings have become increasingly stringent. For example, the DN value of aviation engine spindle bearings can reach 3×10 6 or above [3][4][5], and the thrust ball bearings can withstand a load of 45000N [6]. As the main fuel injection method for high-speed systems such as gas turbine engines [7], fuel injection lubrication is mainly based on the principle of spraying lubricating oil onto the friction surface at high speed through a nozzle, forming a lubricating film, thereby reducing friction and wear, and extending bearing life.…”