CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Generalities on bearings
I.1 Introduction:
The main function of a rotating shaft is to transmit the power from one end of
the line to the other. It needs a good support to ensure stability and frictionless
rotating. The support for the shaft is known as bearing.
The shaft has a running fit in a bearing. All bearings have provided some
lubrication arrangement to reduce the friction between shaft and bearing.
The bearings that we are concerned fit two basic categories ball and roller. We
will discuss both categories and cover bearing types, advantage, installation,
lubrication and maintenance. In addition, we will feature one particular type ball
bearing that has numerous applications.
I.2 History: [YOkO TRAINING MANUAL][2]
For centuries, man had to rely on his own power to push or pull large objects
over the earth. The concept of a bearing is nearly as old as man himself.
The first solution to relieving some of this sliding friction was recorded as
early as 3,500 B.C. I was then that Mesopotamians were using one of the first
bearings known to man, an invention called the wheel. Where the wheel and
axle touched, they put a bearing made of leather or wood and lubricated it with
animal fat. Ancient drawings from 1,100 B.C. show the Assyrians, Babylonians
and Egyptians moving huge rocks for Later, that famous genius of the
Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, came up with an idea for a structure that is
remarkably similar to their monuments and palaces with rollers, illustrating the
basic bearing principle to lessen friction. But this was sliding not rolling friction.
The machine based civilization that was born in the Industrial Revolution of the
18th century led to the development of modern bearings.

Figure.I.1 (a) Leonardo da Vinci.(b) Leonardo da Vinci structure of ball

bearing
The roller and ball bearings of today may bear little resemblance to their
predecessors but the concept has remained the same.

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Today, bearings are used in almost every imaginable application. They

are used in thousands of ways, from the minute internal workings of a
clock to large turbine engines in a ship.
I.3.Presentation on bearings:
Bearing is a device used to support and guide a rotating, oscillating, or
sliding
shaft, pivot or wheel. Whenever a shaft rotates, it
needs a bearing for smooth effective operation.
I.3.1. Parts of bearing:
A bearings smooth performance is assured by a combination of four basic
working parts (fig. 3).
Outer race (also called outer ring or cup)
Aligner les textes, numroter les
Inner race (also called inner ring or cone)
figues (ajouter la figure I.2),
Rolling elements (either balls or rollers)
Separator (also called cage or retainer)homogniser les figures (figure

I.3 trs grande).

supprimer.

Figure.I.3.Ball bearing part.

The outer race is the bearings exterior ring. Since it protects the bearings
internal parts, it must be machined smoothly and accurately.
The inner race is the part of the bearing that sits directly on the shaft.
Inner ring and outer ring guide the rolling elements in the direction of
rotation.

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Rolling elements are classified, according to their shape, into balls, cylindrical
rollers, needle rollers and tapered rollers. ( Technical Information, October 1999
FAG Rolling Bearings) [Reference]

Figure.I.4 Illustration of selected rolling element bearings.(a) ball bearing,(b)

cylindrical roller bearing;(c) needle bearing(d) Tapered roller bearing.
The rolling elements function is to transmit the force acting on the bearing from
one ring to the other. Also to keep them separated and enable them to move
freely. The shape of the rolling elements depends on the type of load, operating
conditions and particular applications.

The Cage is functioned to:

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

To keep the rolling elements apart so that they do not rub against each other.
To keep the rolling elements evenly spaced for uniform load distribution.
To prevent rolling elements from falling out of separable bearing sand bearings
which are swivelled out.
To guide the rolling elements in the unloaded zone of the bearing.

Respecter la marge pour reliure..texte

gauche
I.3.2.Adventage of bearings:

Reduce friction

Whether they are used in fleet, automotive or industrial applications, bearings

perform the same function and have the same objective to keep the shaft
moving smoothly and consistently while reducing friction.
A bearings rolling internal mechanism greatly reduces the effort and energy it takes
to slide or move an object over the surface. This is why the invention of the
bearing is so important.

Support a load

A shaft will try to push the bearing in the same direction in which the load moves.
The load is dependent on both weight and direction (Radial, axial and angular). If
the wrong type of bearing is used it may not be able to carry the required load.

Guide moving parts

The third function, to guide moving parts, is a result of the other two functions. By
supporting a load while reducing friction, a bearing guides shaft operation. It
assists the movement of crucial shafts, wheels and pivots. Without a bearing,
the rotating part could not continue operating on a smooth, constant basis.
I.3.3. Types of loads:
There are three types of loads: Radial, axial or thrust and angular.
a) Radial load (Fr):
When the direction of the load (weight being moved) is at right angles to the shaft,
the load pushes down on the bearing (fig. 1).

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

b) Axial load (Fa):

When the direction of the load is parallel to the shaft, it is called a thrust load.
The load pushes sideways on the bearing.
c) Angular load (F):
When the direction of the load is a combination of radial and thrust, the load
pushes down sideways on the bearing.

FIG.5 supported load on bearing

I.4. ISO Dimensional system and bearing numbers

I.4.1. ISO Dimensional system:
The International Organization for Standardization is a dimensional system specifies
the boundary dimensions for rolling bearings .it have been standardized in one
common dimensions to be adopted on a worldwide scale called ISO.
I.4.2. Bearing number:
Bearing number indicates the bearing specification such as Bearing type, Boundary
dimensions, Internal clearance and Tolerances, etc. It made for facilitate the
selection process, improve availability, and to limit the necessity for use of high
cost, non-standard parts.
Note: Although basic number is almost same in each company (FAG, TNT, KOYO,
TAKEN, SKF), supplementary code often varies.

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

The order of supplementary symbols included in a complete designation of a

bearing and characterizing additional bearing technical requirements is given
below in fig:6

Fig
6
bearing
number

1. Prefixes:
Prefixes
are
mainly used
to
identify
components
of a bearing.
They can also
identify
bearing variants.
2. Basic designations:
The basic designation include the bore diameter (d), outside diameter (D), width
(B), assembly width (T) or height (H),and the chamfer dimension (r) of bearings.

Fig 7: Basic designation of bearings

3. Suffixes:

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Suffixes identify designs or variants, which differ in some way from the original
design or from the current basic design. The suffixes are divided into groups,
when more than one special feature is to be identified.
Example of a complete bearing designation:
1 Symbol for contact angle
2Trademark
3 designation
4 Country of manufacture
5 Internal code
6 Actual value code for the outside diameter
7 Symbol for the largest wall thickness
I.5.Duplex bearing arrangements:

Fig.8 Bearing designation.

Duplex bearings are a set of two bearings on a shaft with the inner and outer rings
clamped together with preload to attain greater axial and radial rigidity. Duplex
bearings also used to achieve additional capacity when insufficient space
radially for larger bearings.
Duplex bearings are machined as matched sets. The pairs are furnished with the
race faces ground to provide preload when installed. To accomplish this, a gap is
provided between the inner races or outer race of the pair.
There are three types duplex bearing arrangements commonly used:
Back-To-Back, Face-To-Face and Tandem bearing arrangement.
Back-To-Back, (DB) :
back-To-Back mounting increases the effective spacing between the bearings,
thereby reducing the bearing loads required to counteract the applied moment.
Face-To-face Arrangement, (DF) :
face to face has reduced moment stiffness compared to Back-to-Back. For the case
where the load lines intersect at the same point, moment stiffness is zero and
the bearing is self aligning.
Tandem Arrangement, (DT) :
Axial loads in one direction and radial loads can be sustained. Since axial stiffness of
this type is twice the value of a single row type, this arrangement is used when
the axial load in one direction is heavy.
Back-to-back
Duplex

Face-to-face
duplex

Tandem
duplex

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

DB

DF

DT

Fig 9 : Duplex Bearing arrangement

Table I.1 Feature of each combination

Feature

DB

DF
Two derections

DT

LOAD
DERECTION

Two derections

Moment
stiffness

Very good

Speed
capacity

Very good

Very good

Excellent

Heat
generation

Very good

Very good

Excellent

Stiffness

Good

Good

Fair

Good

Two derections
only
Fair

I.6.Rolling Bearing Types :

The rolling element bearing classificated bty the geometry. Each type of bearing
has characteristics or properties that make it particularly suitable for certain
applications. The main factors to be considered when selecting the optimum
bearing type are:
Available space

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Load condition
Speed
Misalignment
Mounting and dismounting procedures

Dynamic stiffness
Temperature
Noise

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Bearing type
Deep groove ball bearing

Notice
Deep groove ball
bearings are particularly
versatile. They are simple
in design, non-separable,
suitable for high and very
high speeds and are
robust in operation,
requiring little
maintenance. Because
deep groove ball
bearings are the most
widely used bearing type.

Self-aligning ball bearing

Self-aligning ball bearings

are of the double row
type, with a
spherical outer ring
raceway. Their selfaligning capability allows
them to compensate for
misalignments, shaft
deflections and housing
deformations.
Self-aligning ball bearings
are not separable.

Radial cylindrical roller bearing

Cylindrical roller bearings

are separable. This
facilitates mounting and
dismounting. Both rings
can be given a tight fit.
Can accommodate, in
addition to very high
radial loads.

Spherical roller bearing

Made for heavy-duty

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings
applications.
They feature two rows of
symmetrical barrel rollers
which can align freely in
the spherical outer ring
raceway, thus
compensating for
misalignments of the
bearing seats and shaft
deflections.

Radial roller bearing with long cylindrical or

needle rollers

The cross-section is thin,

but they have a high load
capacity for their size.
Because of the large
number of rolling
elements, the bearings
have high rigidity and are
ideally suited to wobbling
or pivoting motion.

Radial roller bearing with spiral wound

rollers

Angular contact ball bearing

This type is capable of

taking radial loads and
also axial loads in one
direction. Four contact
angles of 15, 25, 30,
and 40 are available.
Usually, two bearings are
used in duplex pairs, and
the clearance between
them must be adjusted
properly. Pressed-steel
cages are commonly

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings
used, polyamide resin
cages are often used.

Taper roller bearing

It can accommodate axial

loads only in one
direction, a second,
symmetrical arranged
tapered roller bearing is
usually needed for
counter guidance. They
have a higher load
carrying capacity and are
less suitable for high
speeds.

Thrust ball bearing

Designed primarily for

clutch release
applications, the ball
thrust bearing has high
thrust capacity. The load
line runs parallel through
its balls to the shaft axis,
so there is little axial
displacement on the
shaft and housing are
recommended under
heavy loads.

Thrust roller bearing

The cylindrical roller

thrust bearings

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings
provide rigid bearing
arrangements which
can accommodate
high axial loads and
shock loads without
problems but no radial
loads.

[NATIONAL ENGEINEERING INDUSTRIES LTD] [Reference]

I.7. Mounting and dismounting:
Rolling bearing is a very precise product, they are sensitive to shock and
impact its mounting/dismounting deserves careful attention (From a
study made by the manufacture SKF, 27% of bearing failure are caused by
mounting defect). The characteristics of this bearing should be
thoroughly studied and it should be mounted or dismonted in the most
appropriate manner .
I.8.Bearing lubrication
Lubrication is an essential requirement for the proper operation of bearings.
The purpose of bearing lubrication is to prevent direct metallic contact
between the various rolling and sliding elements. This is accomplished
through the formation of a thin film of oil/grease on the contact
surfaces.
Lubricants are applied to bearings during storage, during
assembly and mounting, during operation, before removal and after
cleaning.
I.8.1.The Advantages of lubrication
* Protects the bearing from rust and corrosion.
* Protects the bearing from the foreign particles (dust)
* Minimizes the friction and saves power losses.
* Facilitates the smooth running of bearing by minimizing noise.
* Dissipates the heat from the bearing.
* Helps the bearing to attain the required speed.
* Helps to attain the anticipated life of the bearing.
I.8.2.Selection of lubricant:

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Lubricant selection depends on a combination of factors: the type of housing,

operating temperature, operating speed and any particular requirement of
that bearing type. In all cases, the best guide for proper selection of a
lubricant is the recommendation of the machinery manufacturer wherever
the application demands.
I.8.3. Types of Lubricants:
1- Grease:
Grease type lubricants are relatively easy to handle and require only the
simplest sealing devices and it also involves a minimum of design and
maintenance requirements and thus offers an optimum economy. For
these reasons, grease is most widely used lubricant for rolling bearings.
2- Oil:
Oil lubrication is considered to be more effective than grease, provided
proper sealing methods are employed to prevent the leakage. Only
highly refined oil should be used as bearing lubricant.
tabale .
type of lubricant
Grease

Application
Feature
Temperature
available
1. Reduces maintenance
for range of -30to time. There are no
+150
minimum
grease
levels to maintain, so
Centralized
lubrication lubrication cycles are
possible
less frequent.
Low to medium speeds 2. Is confined to the
Low to medium loads
housing or bearing.
Simple Housing Design
This means a simpler
Easy Maintenance
seal design can be
High rolling Resistance
use retain lubricant
and exclude dirt.
3. Grease is more
viscous
than
oil
lubricants.

Oil

Bearing speed is high 1.

Operating temperature
is considerably high
Dirt
conditions
are
minimum
2.
Sealing methods can be
easily employed
Suitable for high loads 3.
Small rolling resistance

I.8.4.Amount of lubrication

The correct amount of

oil lubricant is easier
to
control
than
grease.
Oil lends itself more
to the lubrication of
all parts.
Oil flows better in
lower and higher
temperatures
than
grease.

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

The amount of grease or oil used in any given situation

will depend on
the following factors :
Size and Shape of housing, pace limitation, Bearing's speed,
Operating Load and type of grease or oil.
The amount of initial grease-fill required is calculated from the following
equations:
Ball bearing:
Q=d2.5/900
Chaque tableau doit
Where:
Q=Amount of filling grease (g) (specific gravity of grease=0.9)
d =Bore diameter of bearing (mm)
Relubrication Amount Added at Service:
Q=0.005*D*B

Where:

B=Inner ring width (mm)

avoir un titre et un
numro..
toujours crie en Times
New Roman (police

I.9.Maintenance and inspection of bearings:[ KOYO BALL AND ROLLER

BEARINGS POPULAR SIZE ] [Reference]
Periodic and thorough maintenance and inspection are indispensable to
drawing full performance from bearings and lengthening their useful life.
Besides, prevention of accidents and down time by early detection of failures
through maintenance and inspection greatly contributes to the
enhancement of productivity and profitability.
I.9.1. Cleaning:
Cleaning should be done after checking the amount of remaining lubricant
and collecting lubricant as a sample for examination.
A dirty bearing should be cleaned using two cleaning processes, such as
rough cleaning and finish cleaning. It is recommended that a net be set on
the bottom of cleaning containers.
In rough cleaning, use brushes to remove grease and dirt. Bearings should
be handled carefully. Note that raceway surfaces may be damaged by
foreign matter, if bearings are rotated in cleaning oil.
During finish cleaning, clean bearings carefully by rotating them slowly in
cleaning oil.
I.9.2. Inspection and analysis:
Before determining that dismounted bearings will be reused, the accuracy of
their dimensions and running, internal clearance, fitting surfaces,

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

raceways, rolling contact surfaces, cages and seals must be carefully

examined to confirm that no defects are present during operation.
Representative detection methods are described in the following section:
1. Vibration checking: [Industrial Vibration Analysis for Predictive
Maintenance and Improved Machine Reliability] [Reference]
The rotating elements of machines generate vibrations at specific frequencies.
The amplitude of the vibration indicates the performance or quality of
machine. An increase in the vibration amplitude is a direct result of failing
rotational elements such as bearings. Based on the machine speed, the
rotational frequencies .
Industrial vibration analysis:

Measure
Analyse
Alarm
Repair

Figure..
These frequencies can be recorded with a sensor accelerometer and spectrum

analyser.
Fig. Loop Power Sensors to Monitor Bearing Vibration

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Using a vibration analyzer, we conduct a comparative study of detection by

spectral analysis and we observed spectra for each test.
The measure of spectral analysis permits to give different amplitudes for
different frequencies.
We will notice that a type of defect always occurs to a particular frequency.
Thus, according to the amplitude at a certain frequency, we will be able to
determine of where comes the defect (ball, cage, inner race or outer race).

Figure..
The Ball Pass

Frequency Outer ring passage frequency (BPFO) is

given by the following equation :

f er=

Fr
d
N b 1
cos
2
Dm

..(41)

The Ball Pass Frequency Inner ring (BPFI) is given by the following
equation :
f ir =

Fr
d
N b 1+
cos
2
Dm

..(42)

The Fundamental Train

equation:

Frequency (FTF) is given by the following

CHAPTER I

f c=

Study of bearings

Fr
d
N b 1
cos
2
Dm

..(43)

The Ball Spin Frequency (BSF) is given by:

f c=

[ (

Fr d
d
1
cos
2 Dm
Dm

)]
2

f c=

[ (

Fr d
d
1
cos
2 Dm
Dm

) ] .
2

.(44)
Nb = number of rolling elements
Fr =
Dm=
=contact angle
d=inner dimeter

Figure..
2. Noise checking:
The Noise checking requires some detector (ultrason) placed on the
bearing ,this detector utilizes acoustic emission to measure the
intensity of sound (decibel). The medium rage for safety noise are
less than50 decibel , if the intensity of sound passed that range
then it have some defects that must be repaired.
Possible causes are:
(1) Contact of rotating parts

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

(2) Faulty mounting

(3) Insufficient / inadequate lubricant
(4) Abnormal load
(5) Presence of contamination
(6) Corrosion
(7) Occurrence of flaking on raceways / rolling elements
3. Checking of operating temperature:
This method utilizes change in operating temperature for detection. The
operating temperatures must be continuously recorded. If abnormalities
occur in bearings, operating temperature not only increase but also
change irregularly.
Table: Causes and countermeasures for abnormal temperature rise.
Table..
Causes

Countermeasures

Too much lubricant

Reduce lubricant amount.

Use grease of lower consistency

Insufficient lubricant

Refill lubricant.

Improper lubricant

Select proper lubricant.

Abnormal load

Review fitting and clearance conditions

and adjust preload.

Incorrect mounting

Improve accuracy on processing and

mounting shaft and housing.
Review fitting.
Improve sealing device.

Conclusion:
Since centuries, the bearings had been developed to become more safe,
rigid, and economic , so that, they created several and different
types of bearings , while we can use each type with its available
mechanism , so , to facilitate the choice and the utility of each type ,
the manufacturers made a codes and characters on each type of the
bearings.

CHAPTER I

Study of bearings

Like we saw in this previous chapter, we resumed the most used

bearings in the industry, with different shapes of rollers (ball,
cylindrical or conical rollers,...), and various utility and direction of
the load (axial, radial, angular)

Aligner les paragraphes et

organiser les tableaux
. supprimer.