Study on the flash temperature phenomenon in the contact area of rolling bearings

Purpose Due to high speeds, heavy loads, large slide-to-roll ratios (SRR) and other variable operating conditions, some rolling bearings that have been working in harsh conditions may experience flash temperatures in the contact area, which may result in early damage like smearing and then affect service life. This study aims to investigate the flash temperature phenomenon of rolling bearings through theoretical and experimental analysis. Design/methodology/approach A technology for measuring temperature distribution in rolling ball on disk contact under lubrication was developed. The test-rig can simulate the ball bearing contact. The effects of working conditions such as entrainment speed, load, SRR and lubricating oil viscosity on the flash temperature were investigated. Findings The results of the theoretical calculation and experiments indicate that the parameters promoting the reduction of film thickness in elastohydrodynamic lubrication are always related with the number of flash points, even film thickness reduced to mixed lubrication. The flash temperature is easier to happen in conditions of high SRR, heavy load, slow entrainment speed and low viscosity oil. Originality/value This work conducts an experimental study on the flash temperature phenomenon, providing a test technology for bearing lubrication and failure investigation. Peer review This author has opted into Transparent Peer Review available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2023-0104