• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.502-506
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• 2012

Air bearing is characterized by its extremely low friction and cleanliness such that it is widely used especially for spindles with ultra-high rotational speed at several tens of thousands rpm. This paper contributes to design of a static radial air bearing suggesting numerical analysis to anticipate its performances. The numerical analysis is an iteration method based on finite difference formulation of the Reynolds equation. A prototype air bearing has been designed and manufactured. Its load capacity has been measured and compared with the numerical solutions. The result shows good consistency between the experiment and theory, which informs that the numerical analysis can be used as an useful tool to anticipate the performances. Effects of design variables on the bearing performance have been examined by Taguchi's experimental methods using orthogonal array. Number of holes for supplying pressurized air, clearance between shaft and bearing, the hole diameter and bearing length are chosen for the design variables. The result shows that the clearance and the bearing length are the most influential variables while the others can be considered as almost negligible.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.183-189
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• 2023

A bearing is a mechanical component that transmits rotation and supports loads. According to the type of rotating mechanism, bearings are categorized into ball bearings and tapered roller bearings. Tapered roller bearings have higher load-bearing capabilities than ball bearings. They are used in applications where high loads need to be supported, such as wheel bearings for commercial vehicles and trucks, aircraft and high-speed trains, and heavy-duty spindles for heavy machinery. In recent times, the demand for reducing the driving friction torque in automobiles has been increasing owing to the CO₂ emission regulations and fuel efficiency requirements. Accordingly, the research on the driving friction torque of bearings has become more essential. Researchers have conducted various studies on the lubrication, friction, and contact in tapered roller bearings. Although researchers have conducted numerous studies on the friction in the lips and on roller misalignment and skew, studies considering the influence of roller shape, specifically roller shape errors including lips, are few. This study investigates the driving friction torque of tapered roller bearings considering roller geometric uncertainties. Initially, the study calculates the driving friction torque of tapered roller bearings when subjected to axial loads and compares it with experimental results. Additionally, it performs Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the influence of roller geometric uncertainties (i.e., the effects of roller geometric deviations) on the driving friction torque of the bearings. It then analyzes the results of these simulations.