Friction power loss in ball bearings: Correlation with bearing skidding and cage motion stability

This study introduces a prediction method for bearing friction power loss, focusing on the interplay of bearing skidding and cage motion stability on the tribological properties of ball bearings. The internal friction source is first identified in eight forms according to the interaction analysis among bearing components. Then, the ring flexibility generated by the assembly state of rotor-bearing system as well as the cage flexibility caused by the centrifugal effect are considered, and the effects of outer ring spatial displacement and contact force on outer ring deformations are also analyzed. Further, the traction effect of ball-raceway and the hydrodynamic lubrication of cage-guiding ring are discussed to establish the improved bearing dynamic model. The validity and reliability for present method are confirmed through a comparative analysis with experimental data. Finally, the relationships between dynamic behavior and friction power loss are investigated. Results denote the critical role of the friction loss of the bearing components subjected to lubricant viscosity resistance and the sliding friction loss of the cage-guiding ring in determining the total tribological properties. The dynamic behavior can also be optimized by adjusting the bearing preload and cage structure so as to effectively weaken the bearing friction power loss.