This analysis reveals friction reduction and altered frictional characteristics in rolling bearings with tailored cage shapes, suggesting improved lubrication efficiency.
The cage shape plays a critical role in controlling lubricant distribution and replenishment and enhancing lubrication performance within rolling bearings. This study investigates the effect of four tailored cage shapes on lubricant migration and frictional characteristics at both Ball-Cage (B-C) and Ball-Disc (B-D) contacts. Utilizing a bearing cage friction and lubrication test rig (BCFL), adapted from an optical elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) apparatus, the variation in grease films and friction forces was examined under varying entrainment speeds, grease properties, and grease quantities. Cage-induced lubricant redistribution on the ball surface, replenishment at the B-D contact, and the formation mechanism of thicker film thickness were recognized. The influence of cage design for four distinct shapes on mechanisms enhancing grease lubrication efficiency and friction reduction was examined. The findings provide critical insights for designing next-generation self-aligning cage structures with improved lubrication performance and reduced friction force.
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Zhou et al. (2025) studied this question.
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