Experimental Investigation of the Oil Supply Layer in a Model Rolling Bearing

Most of the rolling bearings work under starvation conditions. The quantitative measurement of the oil layer may provide a new perspective on the rolling bearing lubrication. In this research, the laser-induced fluorescence technique was utilized to measure the oil layer thickness out of the contact on a modified angular contact ball-bearing testing apparatus. The forms of oil supply for the ball-outer-ring contact at various speeds were studied, as well as the influences of centrifugal forces.