The basic working principle of a ball bearing is to reduce the friction force to a minimum and to make load transfer between two relative rotating mechanisms. The ball-bearings are used among a variety of mechanisms such as shaft, axis, pumps, heavy load machines, wind turbines and machine tools . Rubber-based ball bearing seals (cover) are widely used in the bearing industry. These seals effect the performance of the bearings, therefore affect the bearings life as well. Friction force produced by ball bearings determines the heat amount produced. Friction force arises from the loads applied to ball-bearing, type and size of ball-bearing, operating cycle, lubricants properties. The total reaction force against the rotation force inside ball-bearing includes sliding and rolling friction force at contact areas, friction force between rolling elements and rolling paths, friction force between rolling elements and the gage. Friction also occurs because of lubricants movements and contact covers Bearings which have different seal strictness, friction torque and temperature behaviours are investigated experimentally in this article. The effect of the bearing seal strictness on the bearing life is theoretically calculated and interpreted. The importance of rubber seals which are used in bearings and the effectiveness and importance of the rubber-based seals have also been examined. As a general result, as the strictness increases, friction force increase.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Ball bearing, rubber seal, friction torque, strictness.
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