Rolling bearing performance rating parameters: Review and engineering assessment

The choice of a rolling bearing for a particular application relies on performance rating parameters as the static, the dynamic, and the fatigue limit load of bearings. The values of these parameters define the calculated performance of the bearing. Endurance testing of high-quality rolling bearings has been used for the development of rolling bearing performance standards like the ISO 281 and ISO 76 that are commonly used throughout the industry. However, standard test methods for the measurement and validation of load ratings of rolling bearings are not available in the standards. This leads to the undifferentiated use of the “status of the art” standardized performance to the very large variety of rolling bearing types and qualities that are produced today. The current paper revisits the origin, definition, and development of rolling bearing performance parameters. A numerical study for the determination process of bearing load ratings is carried out. The results are compared with standardized values and values quoted by bearing manufacturers. This provides an overview of the load rating practices that are in use. The limitations and possible improvements of the present methodology are discussed.