how to calculate radial and axial load on bearing

Bearings are an essential component of any machinery, helping to reduce friction and support rotating and oscillating parts. To correctly select bearings for a given application, it is necessary to calculate the radial and axial loads the bearings will be subjected to. This article will explain how to calculate these loads.

What are radial and axial loads?

A radial load is a load applied perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a bearing. This type of load is commonly encountered in bearing applications, such as the load applied to the wheels of a vehicle or the weight of a rotating shaft. An axial load, on the other hand, is a load applied parallel to the axis of rotation. This type of load is often encountered in applications such as thrust bearings, which are designed to handle primarily axial loads.

How to calculate radial load

To calculate the radial load on a bearing, it is necessary to consider the forces that act on the machinery it supports. These forces usually include gravitational forces, centrifugal forces, and external loads. One method of calculating the radial load is to consider the weight of the machinery and any external loads acting on it, and then divide this weight by the number of bearings supporting the machinery. This will give the load that each bearing is subjected to. It is important to note that this method assumes that the bearings share the load equally.

How to calculate axial load

Calculating axial load is a bit more complex than calculating radial load since it is necessary to take into account the angle at which the load is applied. The axial load is usually calculated in terms of the equivalent dynamic bearing load (P_r) which is calculated using the following formula:P_r = X_F Y_SWhere X_F and Y_S are factors that depend on the load and the bearing type. These factors can be obtained from bearing manufacturers or from standard tables. Once P_r has been calculated, the bearing selection can be made based on the equivalent dynamic load rating of the chosen bearing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calculating radial and axial loads is critical to selecting the right bearing for a given application. Failing to take into account the loads a bearing will be subjected to can lead to premature failure and costly downtime. While the calculations can seem daunting, bearing manufacturers and industry standards have made it relatively easy to obtain the necessary data. By following the steps outlined in this article, it is possible to select and install bearings that will provide the necessary support and reliability for any application.