Application of a Rolling Bearing Life Model with Surface and Subsurface Survival to Hybrid Bearings in High-Load and High-Speed Applications

Abstract

A previously developed and validated rolling bearing life model that separates the surface and the subsurface survivals is now adapted to account for superior bearing steel that allows bearings to operate in the region near contact pressures of 3 GPa and speeds of nd_m = 3 × 10⁶ (n is the rotational speed in rpm and dm is the bearing mean diameter in mm), common of high-load and high-speeds applications like modern spindle bearings. The adapted model is verified with the support of endurance testing and its range of application is also verified with the support of a full non-seizure test. The adapted model can now be used in the bearing selection process for those tough application conditions.