Abstract
Today, it is normal for a bearing operating under good lubrication conditions to achieve an actual life of more than 10 times the life calculated using Lundberg-Palmgren's theory (L-P theory). Conversely, in the case of the lubricant with debris, the life of the bearing is actually less than the life calculated using L-P theory. These phenomena are considerable issue for the life design of bearings used in various machines. To solve this problem, the following life equation was developed. L_<able> = a_1 a_<NSK> L_<10> where a_1 is life modification factor for reliability, a_<NSK> is life modification factor for fatigue limit and lubrication condition, L_<10> is basic rating life based on the L-P theory. This new bearing life equation shows good agreement with actual life results.
