Empirical correlation of heat generation in ball bearings depending on the operational conditions in the supports of aero-engine rotor

Modern gas turbine bearings operate at high rotational speeds, with a speed index of up to 3· 10⁶ mmrpm. The methods currently used to calculate heat generation in aero-engine split-inner-ring ball bearings do not always give correct results, because they were developed based on tests at relatively slow speeds. To solve this problem, a number of split inner-ring ball bearings with three-point contact bearings have been tested at various levels of load, rotational speed and oil flow rate. The following bearings are tested: 126114 (d = 70 mm), 126126 (d = 130 mm) and 126130 (d = 150 mm). Tests results allowed authors to develop an empirical correlation for heat generation in split inner-ring ball bearings. Comparison with experimental data, presented in the domestic and foreign literature, shows that the coefficients in the empirical formula are selected correctly and accurately describe the thermal state of the bearing.