Experimental Investigation Regarding the Effects of Grooves on Conical Bearing Performance

An experimental investigation is made regarding conical bearing characteristics related to the introduction of grooves. Load capacities of three bearing types are compared, i.e., smooth bearings, bearings with radial grooves, and bearings with inclined grooves rotated in both directions. The obtained results indicate that the presence of grooves significantly affects conical bearing performance. It is concluded that for the maximum load capacity, a bearing with inclined grooves should be used with forward rotation, i.e., when the entry part of the groove advances ahead of the exit of the groove.