Rolling element bearing for ultra-low viscosity fluids

摘要

A rolling element having comprises an inner ring, an outer ring and a series of rolling elements which are in contact with the raceways of the rings, an ultra-low viscosity fluid being present in the contacts having a kinematic viscosity nu=(eta_o/rho) of less than 2 mm²/s, wherein the surfaces of the rings and the rolling elements have asperities which can have solid-to-solid contact during operation of the bearing. A factor D_q is defined which is equal to (I) whereby the solid-to-solid contact of the asperities is reduced by selecting such design parameters and operating conditions of the bearing that D_q is in the range from 8.0x10^-6 mrad s^1/2 to 1.36x10^-4 mrad s^1/2.