An Improved Model for Nonplanar Contact Sliding in Ball Bearings

This investigation focuses on the contact interaction between a ball and a torus ring as in ball bearings. The sliding velocity field at the nonplanar contact area is analyzed and the resulting friction force and moment are determined assuming same friction coefficient at any point of the contact area. The results are illustrated by an application case to an angular contact ball bearing. The procedure developed through an appropriate computer simulation is useful in ascertaining the steady-state motion of a ball in ball bearings, in friction-and-wear test machine, etc. The results contribute to a better understanding of the nature of friction phenomena and the ball motion controlled by these phenomena. They also provide data on sliding and amount of wear at the contact areas, as well as lubricant degradation.