Abstract
There is a need to extend the overall speed range of machine tool main spindle assemblies, but the conflicting requirements of adequate stiffness and lack of play at low speeds, and an acceptably low rate of heat generation at high speeds, are tending to limit the application of rolling bearings in machines of wide speed ranges. It has been recognized that the thermal distortion which occurs in assemblies has a significant influence on their performance, but little information is available on the proper selection of design parameters.
An experimental investigation of an idealized assembly containing two back-to-back angular contact ball bearings is described, and the transient variation of friction torque, axial load sustained by the bearings, and other variables are presented. The transient thermal distortion of the assembly was analysed and its influence on the overall performance considered. The significance of these results in relation to the design of machine tools is suggested.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.