Numerical and experimental investigation on the thermal characteristics of double-row tapered roller bearings considering roller skewing and tilting

Abstract

Accurate evaluation of temperature rise in double-row tapered roller bearings (DTRBs) is critical for ensuring the operational safety of high-speed trains. However, the thermal characteristics under eccentric loading remain insufficiently understood, particularly due to the neglect of roller skewing and tilting. This study presents a combined numerical and experimental investigation into the thermal characteristics of DTRB, explicitly considering these irregular roller postures. A dedicated test rig was employed to measure roller skew angles, tilt angles, and contact load distribution under eccentric loading. Based on slicing method and elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory, a frictional power loss model was developed to quantify local heat generation at roller-raceway and roller-rib contacts. Subsequently, the temperature field of the DTRB was simulated using a finite element model in FLUENT and validated against experimental measurements. Results indicate that roller skew and tilt contribute approximately 13% to 22% of the total temperature rise under eccentric loading, with a 95% confidence band of 14.3%-20.7%. Roller tilt generates 2.2 to 2.6 times more heat than skew.