Correction of Radial Load Distribution Integral for Radial Bearings

Abstract The radial load distribution integral is corrected for radial bearings. The error of Harris integral method for calculating the radial load distribution is analysed. The error is found absolutely caused by the inaccurate values of the radial load distribution integral given by Harris. Based on the extent of the load zone, the radial load distribution integral is corrected by three stages. The corrected radial load distribution integral is capable of calculating the load distribution of a bearing with a small load zone caused by a light external load or a great radial clearance. The corrected radial load distribution integral is found affected by the number of rolling elements. According to the variation of the number of rolling elements participating in the radial load transfer, the corrected radial load distribution integral can be divided into different phases. Some specific numerical examples are shown to illustrate the performance of the corrected radial load distribution integral. The comparison between the results obtained from the corrected radial load distribution integral and Harris integral shows the higher accuracy and superiority of the corrected radial load distribution integral.