Optimized Logarithmic Roller Crowning Design of Cylindrical Roller Bearings and Its Experimental Demonstration

A logarithmic profile is essentially an optimal geometry for rolling machine elements such as bearing rollers and raceways. Under most conditions of loading, it yields lower stresses to give longer endurance. Lundberg first suggested the basic profile, and some researchers followed him by modifying it to satisfy engineering requirements. In this article, the authors propose a mathematical optimization method for logarithmic profiles in roller bearing applications. Moreover, rolling contact fatigue life tests are carried out to make a comparison among logarithmically crowned, standard partially crowned, and modified partially crowned rollers. Results show that the logarithmically crowned rollers are beyond the modified partially crowned rollers in fatigue life, especially in poor lubrication conditions, although the logarithmic rollers require less workload to process the crowning.