Effect of Misalignment on Cage Dynamics and Ball Slip of Double-Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings Under Different Configurations

Abstract Double-row angular contact ball bearings (DACBBs), as a representative class of rolling bearings, are capable of simultaneously supporting axial loads in opposing directions. In practical engineering applications, the misalignment angle is unavoidable and exerts a pronounced influence on the cage stability of the DACBB. This study develops a spatial dynamic model to investigate cage stability and ball slip of both rows in back-to-back (DB) and face-to-face (DF) configurations under a fixed misalignment angle. The accuracy of the model was verified experimentally from the perspective of the cage rotational speed. By varying the magnitude and direction of the misalignment angle, differences in cage trajectories, fitted whirl radius, slip ratio, and whirl velocities are analyzed. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms are analyzed based on the distribution of contact forces and ball slip velocities. Results reveal that misalignment angles can induce cage instability, with DF showing better tolerance. External radial force and misalignment direction lead to distinct cage motions.