Rolling Element Bearing Heat Transfer—Part III: Experimental Validation

Abstract

This paper concludes a series of papers outlining a new rollingelement bearing heat transfer model. Part I provided the model framework, Part II presented the partial differential equation (PDE) solutions, and Part III, this paper, presents fullscale test results for ball, cylindrical, spherical, and tapered rollingelement bearings. The results validate the heat partitioning equation and the predicted solid temperatures for circulating oil lubrication. In addition, sump lubrication was studied using an acrylic assembly. The results quantify what fraction of the bearing periphery is cooled by oil, as well as the flow of oil through a bearing. Finally, substantiation of the modeling assumptions is discussed.