All About Aircraft Ball Bearings
A bearing is a part of a machine that endures friction, often caused by a rotating part. A rotating ball produces less friction than two surfaces that are sliding against each other because there is less contact. Balls, or spheres, only contact the inner and outer race at a small point and because of this it cannot handle heavier loads without deforming.
Roller bearings are cylindrical which means that the contact between the inner and outer races are a line, not a point. This allows them to support heavier loads without deforming.
A ball bearing reduces rotational friction and supports radial and axial loads. It is composed of at least three races; one must be stationary and the other is attached to the rotating assembly. As the race moves, the balls move, and the load is transmitted through them. In aviation, ball bearings are used in airframe control systems, landing gear, engine mounts, APUs, navigation systems, etc.
Different types of ball bearings are used for different applications due to their varying heat, stress, and load tolerance. Some bearings are capable of handling axial loads, radial loads, or some combination thereof.
Angular contact ball bearings support both the axial and radial loads. The races are axially asymmetric, with the angle of contact being the same on both the inner and outer races. When the contact angle is larger, is supports a higher axial load, but a lower radial load. When they are being used in high speed applications, the balls generate a centrifugal force which causes the contact angles to shift.
The balls are composed of ceramics in this case because they are lighter than steel and reduce the amount of centrifugal force produced; they are similar to steel in that they do not wear quickly in high temperature environments.
In an
axile or thrust ball bearing, the axial load is transmitted directly through the bearing and a large radial load will most likely cause damage. Deep groove radial bearings have races and balls that are similar in size. This supports higher loads: both axial and radial. These common designs are often applied in preloaded pairs, two bearings are put on a rotating shaft and face each other; pairing evenly distributes the loads and increases the load capacity.
The
spindle bearing is designed to accommodate heavy loads and high speeds. Since this bearing supports the axial load on only one side, it is adjusted against a second spindle ball. There are two primary kinds of spindle bearings: open and closed. Open spindle bearings contain large balls which maximize performance capacity. The closed spindle bearing contains small balls which reduce capacity but increase axial rigidity and speed.
At ASAP Sourcing Solutions, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the radial ball bearings, aircraft ball bearings, and ball bearing spindles you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-sourcingsolutions.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.
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mark watkins
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Posted on February 26, 2019
bearings