3—Loads and Loaded Zones

The load handled by a rolling bearing is applied either to part of the raceway surface or across the entire circumference of the bearing. The area where load is applied is called the “loaded zone”.

Radial load
Load perpendicular to the shaft
Direction of forces imposed on a bearing and shaft under radial load.
Axial (thrust) load
Load in the direction of the shaft
Direction of forces imposed on a bearing and shaft under axial load.
Combined load
Radial and axial load
Direction of forces imposed on a bearing and shaft under combined load.
Moment load

 

Direction of forces imposed on a bearing and shaft under moment load.

Load Distribution Inside Bearings

The figures below show how load is distributed inside single-row bearings (angular contact ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, etc.) with contact angle α when radial load Fr and axial (thrust) load Fa are applied.

α: Contact angle
Fr: Radial load

Distribution of load inside bearing and relevant variables.

Qmax: Maximum rolling element load
Fa: Axial (thrust) load

Location of maximum rolling element load (Qmax) on ball .

F: Combined load (Fr and Fa)
 

Distribution of load on raceway and relevant variables.