An Experimental Study on the Distribution and Migration of Lubricating Oil in Rolling Bearings at Low Speeds

Lubrication is very important for good working performance and long life for rolling bearings. The distribution of the lubricating oil layer outside the ball-raceway contact directly determines the formation of the lubricating oil film in the contact area. A bearing model test rig was built with the outer ring replaced by a glass one so as to realize the direct observation and measurement of the oil layer outside the ball-raceway contact area by photography. The migration of lubricating oil on the outer ring, steel ball, and cage under low speed was mainly studied. The influence of working-condition parameters such as time, speed, oil supply, and viscosity of lubricating oil was investigated.