Thermal properties evaluation for angular contact ball bearing subjected to thermal–mechanical coupling structure deformations

This paper presents a thermal properties analysis model of angular contact ball bearings considering thermal–mechanical coupling structure deformations. The correlation between the assembly state and structure flexible deformations for the shaft-bearing-pedestal system is derived, and an improved transient thermal network model considering cage guiding type and grease heat transfer process is constructed. The influencing mechanism of bearing thermal properties is revealed, and the variations of structure deformations and service performance compared to those cases without considering thermal effect are explored. Results indicated that the deformations of the shaft and bearing ring are more sensitive to the thermal effect, which is significantly greater than those cases without considering the thermal effect. The thermal expansion induced by temperature rise intensifies the bearing structure deformations, and decreases bearing clearance and the design contact angle. The bearing deformations are positively correlated with the rotation speed and external loads, and the bearing thermal characteristics can be optimized by properly adjusting the assembly state of the rotor-bearing system.