Analysis of movement processes occurring under varying load cases for the optimization of wire race bearings

Abstract Rolling bearing technology is used in many areas of mechanical engineering. In order to be able to use and optimize the rolling bearing technology in a meaningful way, a particularly good knowledge of the movement processes in the bearings is required. In this paper the processes in wire race bearings under different loads are considered. In this case the three most common bearing loads, preload, axial load and radial load, were considered. For this purpose, preliminary considerations, simulations and tests were carried out and evaluated. The results of the simulation provide information on how the rolling process, load distribution and contact angle change takes place in the bearing. In the tests, the contact angle change in the bearing was investigated. The results of the preliminary considerations, the simulation and the tests based on these results are used to explain speed changes that occur under different types and intensities of load.