IMPROVEMENT OF BALL-BEARING PERFORMANCES

The working surfaces of non-round profiles for the races of ball bearings and guides are developed. By varying the parameters of the profile it is possible to obtain the load distribution on the contact zone which is the most desirable for unit in question. It offers the opportunity to increase the dynamic or static load-carrying capacity of the bearing by way of diminishing the maximum contact pressure, or to decrease the energy losses by minimizing the work of the friction forces that arises as a result of differential slippage. Results of experimental investigation on specimens and bearings showed that the force of the rolling friction on contact can be diminished by 30%-40%, and the durability of the modified radial and radial-thrust bearings is 60%-90% higher than that of bearings with traditional types of working surfaces. Recommendations for choosing profile parameters in accordance with the operating conditions and requirements of bearing are given. The surfaces of the complicated forms can be machined on standard industrial grinding machines.