Load Ratings and Fatigue Life Prediction for Ball and Roller Bearings

Abstract

A review of current rolling bearing load rating and life prediction practices is given, based on the ASA standard method. Experimental results show the existence of life-factors in addition to those encompassed in the ASA standard. A more general rolling contact fatigue theory is sketched but is not yet at a stage where it can be applied to practical life calculations. Therefore a simple generalization of ASA life formulas is proposed for practical use, which accounts for material and environmental variables by multiplicative factors and permits life prediction for any desired reliability using another, tabulated factor.