A BASIC STUDY OF THE SLIDING CONTACTS IN ROLLING BEARINGS.

Temperatures near the contact between the two balls on the two-ball tester were determined experimentally using a miniature thermocouple attached to the stationary ball. Results from temperature measurements during sliding experiments in the two-ball configuration with Esso Primol 355 lubricant indicate that the temperature just prior to smearing is nearly speed independent for speeds in the 500 to 2500 rpm range. The estimated contact area temperatures range from 101C to 113C, based on extrapolation from the experimental temperature mapping. Temperatures extrapolated using a theoretical temperature distribution are somewhat higher. A flat washerto-roller tester has been selected set-up and tests of the kinematic behavior of rollers between two flat washers have started. This configuration will be used to determine how the critical conditions for smearing found in Phase I are generated in a typical rolling bearing assembly. Roller skew and axial position data were processed for several positions around the circumference of both an aligned and an intentionally misaligned cylindrical roller bearing.