Influence of the cage on the migration and distribution of lubricating oil inside a ball bearing

Abstract The migration and distribution of lubricant oil in a rolling bearing strongly affect the elastohydrodynamic lubrication performance between balls rings. However, re-lubrication is highly dependent on design, which different from ball-on-disc model. This study directly observed film custom-made model-bearing rig, with an outer ring replaced by glass to allow full optical access. influence cage type surface properties were presented. physical origin mechanism, including capillary flow mechanical redistribution, was discussed.