The influence of the lubricant film on the stiffness and damping characteristics of a deep groove ball bearing

• A deep groove ball bearing is experimentally analysed using a novel test rig.
• The bearing radial stiffness and damping are identified using modal tests.
• The electrical resistance through the bearing reveals the lubricant film formation.
• The bearing temperature and speed influence the lubricant film thickness.
• The film thickness is linked to variations of the bearing stiffness and damping.

This paper experimentally investigates the formation of a lubricant film in a deep groove ball bearing and its effect on the bearing dynamics. A novel test rig is introduced, which allows testing different types and sizes of bearings in real-life conditions. The test rig dynamics are optimised such that the dynamic properties of the bearing are measured in a frequency range below the resonances of the flexible modes. Two properties of the bearing, both its stiffness and damping value in the direction of the static bearing load, are identified. The behaviour of the lubricant film between the rolling elements and raceways is measured based on the electrical resistance through the bearing. For this purpose, the bearing housing is electrically isolated from the surrounding structure. The electrical resistance, stiffness and damping of the test bearing are identified during a speed run-up. The influence of the bearing temperature is analysed as well. During a run-up at constant bearing temperature, the measurement of the electrical resistance describes the formation of the lubricant film. Due to the formation of the lubricant film, the bearing stiffness increases by 3.2% while the damping increases by 24%. During a warm-up of the bearing, the viscosity of the lubricant film decreases strongly. A resulting decrease in electrical resistance, stiffness and damping is measured. Finally, the electrical resistance, stiffness and damping are identified at different speeds, after the bearing has reached a stable temperature at each speed. A combined effect of both rotation and temperature is observed and discussed.