Comparative analysis of angular contact bearing stiffness calculated by Hertz contact and thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Stiffness is the key dynamic parameter of the angular contact ball bearing. This work established a dynamic bearing model based on Hertz theory and thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) and compared the contact angle, inner race position, and stiffness. In most cases, the stiffness calculated via Hertz was higher than when using TEHL. The axial stiffness values determined via the two theories were close, while the radial stiffness calculated via the Hertz theory was smaller than that determined by TEHL under light load and high speed. Considering the elastic deformation of the races and the initial contact angle, the results obtained by TEHL displayed a lower error rate in the experiment than Hertz.