Vibrations and film thickness in grease-lubricated deep groove ball bearings

Understanding the relevance and significance of the various replenishment mechanisms in grease -lubricated bearings is very important in choosing the appropriate lubrication strategy. This study shows that the lubricant film thickness in the ball -ring contacts of a deep groove ball bearing may increase by 10%-25% due to vibrations. The possible mechanisms behind this film thickness increase are discussed. Of the proposed contact replenishment mechanisms, the micro -lateral motion of the contact edge across the tracks caused by inoperation vibrations appears crucial. Results show that in the starved contacts, vibration plays a vital role in determining the film thickness.