Design, Operation and Results of a Low-Cost Test Rig for Investigation of Thermal Properties of Rolling Element Bearings in Vacuum

Data on thermal properties of ball bearings and roller bearings is scarce, yet of great importance to many rotating machines operating in a vacuum environment. This poster presents simple, but reliable methods to determine bearing properties required for accurate thermal system modeling, beginning from theoretical calculations to empiric testing. A through state-of-the-art analysis gives an overview of the existing analytical methods to determine thermal conductivity, points out their shortcomings and stresses the necessity of empirical methods. Consequently, the design of a low-cost test rig to determine thermal properties of rolling element bearings in a vacuum is described in detail. The test rig allows the variation of different ambient parameters and operating conditions. Finally results comparing different axial loads and running speeds are presented.