Optical Analysis of Ball Bearing Starvation

Elastohydrodynamic oil film measurements for rolling point contact under starvation conditions are obtained using optical interferometry. The experimental measurements present a reasonably clear picture of the starvation phenomenon and are shown to agree with theoretical predictions. Starvation inhibits the generation of pressure and, therefore, reduces film thickness. It also causes the overall pressure, stress, and elastic deformation to become more Hertzian. Additional experiments using interferometry illustrate: the cavitation pattern, lubricant entrapment, grease lubrication, ball spin, and edge effects in line contact.