E5_P136-155*.qxd 09.7.

22 8:39 PM 138

1. LIFE

Part 1

Part 2

Rolling Fatigue Life and Basic Load Rating

inoperable due to flaking.

Dynamic Equivalent Load

Bearing Life

In determining bearing life, basic rating life is often the only

In some cases, the loads applied on bearings are purely radial

The various functions required of rolling bearings vary

factor considered. However, other factors must also be taken

or axial loads; however, in most cases, the loads are a

according to the bearing application. These functions must be

into account. For example, the grease life of grease-

combination of both. In addition, such loads usually fluctuate in

performed for a prolonged period. Even if bearings are properly

prelubricated bearings can be estimated. Since noise life and

both magnitude and direction.

mounted and correctly operated, they will eventually fail to

abrasion life are determined according to individual standards

In such cases, the loads actually applied on bearings cannot

perform satisfactorily due to an increase in noise and vibration,

for different applications, specific values for noise or abrasion

be used for bearings life calculations; therefore, a hypothetical

loss of running accuracy, deterioration of grease, or fatigue

life must be determined empirically.

load should be estimated that has a constant magnitude and

Bearing life, in the broad sense of the term, is the period during

Basic Dynamic Load Rating

same bearing life that the bearing would attain under actual

which bearings continue to operate and to satisfy their

The basic dynamic load rating is defined as the constant load

conditions of load and rotation. Such a hypothetical load is

required functions. This bearing life may be defined as noise

applied on bearings with stationary outer rings that the inner

called the dynamic equivalent load.

life, abrasion life, grease life, or rolling fatigue life, depending on

rings can endure for a rating life of one million revolutions

Assuming the equivalent radial load as Pr, the radial load as Fr,

which one causes loss of bearing service.

(106 rev). The basic load rating of radial bearings is defined as a

the axial load as F a , and the contact angle as , the

Aside from the failure of bearings to function due to natural

central radial load of constant direction and magnitude, while

relationship between the equivalent radial load and bearing

deterioration, bearings may fail when conditions such as heat-

the basic load rating of thrust bearings is defined as an axial

load can be approximated as follows:

seizure, fracture, scoring of the rings, wear of the seals, or

load of constant magnitude in the same deflection as the

other damage occurs. Conditions such as these should not be

central axis. The load ratings are listed under Cr for radial

interpreted as normal bearing failure since they often occur as

bearings and Ca for thrust bearings in the dimension tables.

Pr = XFr + YFa
where

X : Radial load factor

Y : Axial load factor

a result of errors in bearing selection, improper design or

See Table 1.1

manufacture of the bearing surroundings, incorrect mounting,

Basic Rating Life

or insufficient maintenance.

The following relation exists between bearing load and basic

The axial load factor varies depending on the contact angle. In

rating life:

the case of roller bearings, the contact angle remains the same
3
L10= C
P
6
L10= 10
60n

( )

For ball bearings

of their inner and outer rings and rolling elements are subjected
to repeated cyclic stress. Because of metal fatigue of the

For roller bearings

represented by the total number of revolutions at which time

( CP )

(h)

10/3
L10= C
P
106 C
L10= 60n
P

(h)

Life

DB or DF
Fa /Fr e
Fa / Fr >e
X
Y
X
Y
1.65
2.39
1.57
2.28
1.46
2.11
1.38
2.00
1.00 1.34 0.72 1.93
1.26
1.82
1.14
1.66
1.12
1.63
1.00 1.09 0.70 1.63
1.00 0.92 0.67 1.41
1.00 0.78 0.63 1.24
1.00 0.55 0.57 0.93
1.37 0.57 0.73 1.00
1.60 0.56 0.81 1.00
1.90 0.55 0.92 1.00

Table 1.2 Basic Load Rating of ACBB as Multiple Sets

Double Row
Cr

Cor

Triple Row
Cr

Cor

Quadruple Row
Cr

Cor

1.62 times 2 times 2.15 times 3 times 2.64 times 4 times

relative to relative to relative to relative to relative to relative to
Single row Single row Single row Single row Single row Single row

bearings, the contact angle increases when the axial load is

increased. Such change in the contact angle can be

contact ball bearings, the effect of change in the contact angle

on the load factor may be ignored under normal conditions
For the thrust bearing with the contact angle of 90

L10 : Basic rating life (10 rev, or h)

receiving both radial and axial loads simultaneously, the

greatly, even under identical operating conditions. This is

P : Bearing load (equivalent load) (N)

equivalent axial load Pa becomes as follows:

because the flaking of materials due to fatigue is subject to

(Refer to Page 125)

Suppose a number of bearings of the same type are operated

Normal
Single, DT
if F
Contact o a
e
Fa / Fr e
Fa / Fr >e
C0r
Angle
X
Y
X
Y
0.178 0.38
1.47
0.357 0.40
1.40
0.714 0.43
1.30
1.070 0.46
1.23
15 1.430 0.47
1
0
0.44 1.19
2.140 0.50
1.12
3.570 0.55
1.02
5.350 0.56
1.00
18

0.57
1
0
0.43 1.00
25

0.68
1
0
0.41 0.87
30

0.80
1
0
0.39 0.76
40

1.14
1
0
0.35 0.57
50

1.49

0.73 1.00
55

1.79

0.81 1.00
60

2.17

0.92 1.00

For i, use 2 for DB, DF and 1 for DT

even if the contact angle is as large as 25, 30 or 40.

the same type, size, and material and receive the same heat

is used in preference to actual rolling fatigue life.

Part 8

contact angle corresponding to this ratio. Regarding angular

10/3

fatigue life. Even for seemingly identical bearings, which are of

which rolling fatigue life is treated as a statistical phenomenon,

Part 7

axial load Fa. Table 1.1 shows the axial load factor at the

( )

( )

the bearing surface will start flaking due to stress. This is called

many other variables. Consequently, basic rating life, in

Part 6

expressed by the ratio of the basic static load rating C0r and

scaly particles may separate from the bearing material.

treatment and other processing, the rolling fatigue life varies

single row deep groove ball bearings and angular contact ball
3

rolling contact surfaces of the raceways and rolling elements,

This phenomenon is called flaking. Rolling fatigue life is

Part

regardless of the magnitude of the axial load. In the case of

Rolling Fatigue Life and Basic Rating Life

When rolling bearings are operated under load, the raceways

Part 4

Table 1.1 Value of Factors X and Y

passes through the center of the bearing, and will give the

flaking of the rolling surfaces.

Part 3

where

C : Bearing dynamic load rating (N)

For radial bearings, C is written Cr

Pa = XFr + YFa

For thrust bearings, C is written Ca

n : Rotational Speed (min1)

individually under the same conditions. After a certain period of

time, 10% of them fail as a result of flaking caused by rolling

In the case of bearings that run at a constant speed, it is

fatigue. The total number of revolutions at this point is defined

convenient to express the fatigue life in terms of hours.

as the basic rating life or, if the speed is constant, the basic
rating life is often expressed by the total number of operating
hours completed when 10% of the bearings become

138

139

E5_P136-155*.qxd 09.7.22 8:39 PM 140

1. LIFE

Part 1

Life Calculation of Multiple Bearings as a Group

Part 2

DBD Set of Bearings

Part 3

Part 4

Part

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

DBB Set of Bearings

individual bearings is known. Generally, however, the machine becomes inoperative if a bearing in any part fails. It may therefore be

(1)

necessary in certain cases to know the fatigue life of a group of bearings used in one machine.
3
The fatigue life of the bearings varies greatly and our fatigue life calculation equation L10 = C applies to the 90% life (also called
P
the rating fatigue life, which is either the gross number of revolution or hours to which 90% of multiple similar bearings operated

(1)

(1)

(2)

( )

Fao

Fao

(2)

(2)

Fao

Fao

Fae

Fae

under similar conditions can reach).

(1)

Life

When multiple rolling bearings are used in one machine, the fatigue life of individual bearings can be determined if the load acting on

Fre

Fre

fatigue life of a group of multiple bearings is not determined solely from the shortest rating fatigue life among the individual bearings.

Under external radial load (Fre), total Preload (Fap) is the

Under external radial load (Fre), total Preload (Fap) is the

In fact, the group life is much shorter than the life of the bearing with the shortest fatigue life.

following:

following:

In other words, the calculated fatigue life for one bearing has a probability of 90%. Since the endurance probability of a group of
multiple bearings for a certain period is a product of the endurance probability of individual bearings for the same period, the rating

Assuming the rating fatigue life of individual bearings as L1, L2, L3 ...Ln and the rating fatigue life of the entire group of bearings as L,
the below equation is obtained :
1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + + 1
L1e L2e L3e
Lne
Le
where, e = 1.1 (both for ball and roller bearings)

Life Calculations of Preloaded Angular Contact Ball Bearings

when Fa2 < 0 the preload is relieved so that Fa1 = Fao, and Fa2

To establish the total radial (Fr) and axial (Fa) load components

=0

(Fre) and axial load (Fae), the axial preload (Fao) and the load
distribution must be taken into account. The latter is a function
of the rolling element to raceway deflection which is
proportional to (load)2/3. The calculation procedure for popular
mounting variations of identical bearings is detailed below.

Fap2 =

Fre 1.2 tan + Fao

2

when

Fap1 < Fao/2,

use Fap1 = Fao/2

and

Fap2 < Fao,

use Fap2 = Fao

Total radial component of load (F r ) on each bearing is

2/3
F a1
Fr1 = F 2/3 + F 2/3 Fre
a1
a2

Fa1 =

2/3
F a2
Fr2 = F 2/3 + F 2/3 Fre
a1
a2

Fae

Fr1 =

2/3
F a1
2/3
2F a1 + F a2

Fre

Fr2 =

2/3
F a2
2/3
2/3
2F a1
+ F a2

Fre

following:

16 667 Cr
Pr1
n

L10 (1) =

16 667 Cr
Pr2
n

L10 (2) =

when

( )

(h)

( )

Fre 1.2 tan + Fao

2
Fap < Fao, use Fap = Fao

Total axial component of (Fa1, Fa2) with applied axial load

on each bearing (1 and 2):

bearings, will be shorter than the shortest rating life of the

1
1
+ L1.1
L1.1
1 0 (1)
1 0 (2)

1
1.1

Fre
2

Fr2 =

2/3
F a2
2/3
2/3
F a1
+ F a2

Fre
2

bearing :
Pr1 = XFr1 + YFa1
Pr2 = XFr2 + YFa2

Pr1 = XFr1 + YFa1

The values of X and Y are obtained from Table 1.1, page

Pr2 = XFr2 + YFa2

139. The basic rating life (L10) of each bearing :

139. The basic rating life (L10) of each bearing :

L10(1) =

16 667 Cr
Pr1
n

L10(2) =

16 667 Cr
Pr2
n

( )

(h)

( )

(h)

individual bearings. Thus:

1

2/3
F a1
2/3
2/3
F a1
+ F a2

The dynamic equivalent radial load (Pr1) and (Pr2) for each

bearing :

to the theory of probability, the life of the unit, or pair of

L10 =

Fr1 =

The values of X and Y are obtained from Table 1.1, page

(h)

The two bearings may be considered as a unit and according

Fap =

2/3

Fae
and Fa2 = 0
2

Total radial component of load (Fr) on each bearing :

Fae
and Fa2 = 0
2

The dynamic equivalent radial load (Pr1) and (Pr2) for each

The basic rating life (L10) of each bearing is:

Fre

Under external radial load (Fre), total Preload (Fap) is the

Fa1 =

Total radial component of load (Fr) on each bearing :

The values of X and Y are obtained from Table 1.1 (Page 139)
Fao

Fa2 = Fap 1/6Fae

When Fa2 < 0 the preload is relieved so that

When Fa2 < 0 the preload is relieved so that

Pr2 = XFr2 + YFa2

Fao

Fa1 = 1/3Fae + Fap

Fa2 = Fap2 0.2Fae

the total axial load, each component raised to the power of

Pr1 = XFr1 + YFa1

(2)

Total axial component of load (Fa1, Fa2) on each bearing

Fa1 = 0.4Fae + Fap1

bearing is calculated from:

(1)

When Fap < Fao/2, use Fap = Fao/2

with applied axial load :

proportioned by the ratio of the axial load on each bearing to

2/3:

Fre 1.2 tan + Fao

4

Fap =

with applied axial load

The dynamic equivalent radial load (Pr1) and (Pr2) for each

Back-to-back, Pair of Bearings

Fre 1.2 tan + Fao

4

Total axial component of load (Fa1, Fa2) on each bearing

on each bearing in a multiple arrangement of preloaded

angular contact ball bearings, the externally applied radial load

Fap1 =

(h)

L10 for the unit =

1
1
1
+ L1.1
L1.1
1 0 (1)
1 0 (2)

1
1.1

L10(1) =

16 667 Cr
Pr1
n

(h)

L10(2) =

16 667 Cr
Pr2
n

(h)

L10 for the unit =

(
(

1
1
1
+ L1.1
L1.1
1 0 (1)
1 0 (2)

1
1.1

(h)

(h)

Fa1 = 2/3Fae + Fap

Fa2 = Fap 1/3Fae

140

141

E5_P136-155*.qxd 09.7.22 8:39 PM 142

1. LIFE

Part 1
Fig. 1.1 Life Test Result under Clean Lubrication Condition

Introduction
particularly in the areas of dimensional accuracy and material
cleanliness. As a result, bearings can now have a longer rolling
fatigue life in a cleaner environment, than the life obtained by
the traditional ISO life calculation formula. This extended life is
partly due to the important advancements in bearing related
technology such as lubrication cleanliness and filtration.

Max surface contact pressure, MPa

Bearing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years,

5 000
4 000
3 000

ac factor

7306 (VIM-VAR)
20 m filtrated

M50,
6 m filtrated

Longer than theoretical

life (presence of
fatigue load limit)
1 000
105

106

107

108

109

1010

Part

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Very clean

Clean

Normal

Contaminated

Heavily contaminated

0.8

0.5

0.40.1

0.05

30100 m
filtration

Application
guide

10 m filtration

1030 m filtration

Application
examples

Sealed grease
lubricated bearing
for electrical
appliances and
information
technology
equipment, etc.

Sealed grease lubricated bearing

for electric motors
Sealed grease bearing for railway
axle boxes and machine tools, etc.

L10 theoretical

2 000

Part 4

Table 1.3 Value of Contamination Coefficient ac

6 000
Flat washer
6204, 10 m filtrated
6206, 10 m filtrated
6206, 3 m filtrated
6206, 10 m filtrated

Part 3

1011

Normal usage
Automotive hub unit
bearing, etc.

Greater than 100 m filtration

or no filtration (oil bath,
circulating lubrication, etc.)

Life

New Life Theory

Part 2

No filtration,
presence of many
fine particles

Bearing for automotive transmission;

Bearing for industrial gearbox; Bearing
for construction machine, etc.

The conventional life calculation formula, based on the theories

Number of repeated stress, cycles

of G. Lundberg and A. Palmgren (L-P theory, hereafter)

addresses only sub-surface originated flaking. This is the

Fig. 1.2 NSKs New Life Theory That Considers Fatigue Limit

Fig. 1.3 Life Test Result under Contaminated Lubrication Condition

phenomenon in which cracks initially occur due to dynamic

o N V
Z oh

NSKs new life calculation formula theorizes that rolling fatigue

NSKs new life theory

Pu

life is the sum total of the combined effects of both subsurface originated flaking and surface originated flaking

Conventional theory

occurring simultaneously.

Pu : fatigue load limit

Max surface contact pressure, MPa

1n

Bearing load, P

progressively reach the surface in the form of flaking.

c

is shown in Table 1.3. Test results on ball and roller bearings

6 000

shear stress immediately below the rolling surface then

5 000

with grease lubrication and clean filtration show the life as

6206.
Debris size 74147 m
Hardness 870HV

4 000

being a number of times longer than that of the contaminated

Shorter than
theoretical life

3 000

calculation. Yet when the foreign object is harder than Hv350,

hardness becomes a factor and a dent appears on the
raceway. Fatigue damage from these dents, can progress to

2 000

flaking in a short time. Test results on ball and roller bearings

L10 theoretical

under conditions of foreign object contamination show from

1 000
105

Lifetime

The contamination coefficient in terms of lubrication cleanliness

106

107

108

109

1010

1011

1/3 to 1/10 the life when compared with conventionally

calculated life.

Number of repeated stress, cycles

Based on these test results, the contamination coefficient ac is

NSK New Life Calculation Formula

(2) Surface originated flaking

(1) Sub-surface originated flaking

Under actual bearing operation, the lubricant is often

A pre-condition of sub-surface originated flaking of rolling

contaminated with foreign objects such as metal chips, burrs,

bearings is contact of the rolling elements with the raceway via

cast sand, etc.

a sufficient and continuous oil film under clean lubrication

When the foreign particles are mixed in the lubricant, the

conditions.

particles are pressed onto the raceways by the rolling elements

Fig. 1.1 plots the L10 life for each test condition with maximum

and dents occur on the surfaces of the raceways and rolling

surface contact pressure (Pmax) and the number of repeated

elements. Stress concentration occurs at the edges of the

stresses applied on the ordinate and the abscissa,

dents, generating fine cracks, which over time, propagate into

respectively.

flaking of the raceways and rolling elements.

In the figure, line L10 theoretical is the theoretical line obtained

As shown in Fig. 1.3, the actual life is shorter than conventional

using the conventional life calculation formula. As maximum

calculated life, under conditions of contaminated lubrication at

surface contact pressure decreases, the actual life line

low max surface pressure. The actual life line separates from

separates from the line created by using conventional

the line created by theoretical life calculations and moves

theoretical calculation and moves towards longer life. This

towards a shorter life. This result shows that the actual life

separation suggests the presence of fatigue load limit Pu below

under contaminated lubrication is further shortened compared

which no rolling fatigue occurs. This is better illustrated in

to the theoretical life because of the decrease in maximum

Fig. 1.2.

surface contact pressure.

Therefore, the NSK new life calculation formula considers the

classified into five steps for NSKs new life theory.

trend in the results of the life test under conditions of clean

environment and at low load zone. Based on these results, the
new life equation is a function of (P-Pu)/C, which is affected by
specific lubrication conditions identified by the lubrication
parameter. Also, it is assumed that effects of different types

(3) New life calculation formula

The following formula, which combines sub-surface originated
flaking and surface originated flaking, is proposed as the new
life calculation formula.

and shapes of foreign particles are strongly influenced by the

bearing load and lubrication conditions present, and that such
a relationship can be expressed as a function of the load

1n

1
Ne
S

( u)c
V

Z oh

dV

{ f (a1, a ) }
c

parameter. This relationship of the new life calculation formula

Lable = a1 aNSK L10

is defined by (P-Pu)/C 1/ac.

Calculation formula for surface originated flaking, based on the
above concept, is as follows:

1n

1
Ne
S

( u)c
V

Z oh

dV

{ f (a1, a ) 1}
c

V = stress volume

142

143

E5_P136-155*.qxd 09.7.22 8:39 PM 144

1. LIFE

Part 1

a NSK

contamination factor ac. The theory also utilizes viscosity ratio k

ceramic bearings.
However, ceramic bearing life tends to be longer than that of

A computer should be used for the calculation of the load

conventional steel ball bearings, under the same appropriate

conditions on bearings operation at high speeds (in excess of

operating conditions.

800 000 dmn).

This may be especially true in the situations where the

K = 0.15

Balance among the forces acting on the rolling elements and

centrifugal force on the balls are significant.

K = 0.1

inner/outer rings as well as changes in contact angle are

0.1

(k = v/v 1 where v is the operational viscosity and v 1 the

obtained by using convergence calculations(1), based on the

required viscosity) because the lubrication parameter a L

load condition of the bearing (radial load, axial load, centrifugal

0.01
0.01

changes with the degree of oil film formation, based on the

0.1
1
(P Pu) /C 1/ac

lubricant and operating temperature. The theory indicates that

the better the lubrication conditions (higher k) the longer the

10

force on rolling elements, etc.).

Life is initially calculated for each individual rolling element

Fig. 1.5 New Life Calculation Diagram for Roller Bearings

life.

under load between inner and outer ring and then the life of the
100

entire single row of bearing is obtained.

K= 4

Figures 1.4 and 1.5 show the diagrams of the correction factor

K= 1

aNSK as a function of the new life calculation formula. Also in

are considered separately for ball and roller bearings

K= 2

10

a NSK

this new life calculation formula, point contact and line contact

(1) Convergence calculations allow NSK to calculate with great

accuracy the centrifugal force exerted on balls and to actually
K = 0.5

perform load calculations for each rolling element.

respectively.

K = 0.15
0.1

For life calculations on bearings used in high speed

K = 0.1

New Life Calculation Formula Lable

applications, please contact NSK.

The concept of new life calculation formula is simplified into

one factor as shown by the formula below in which
conventional life calculation formula (L10) is multiplied with

0.01
0.01

0.1
1
(P Pu) /C 1/ac

Lable = a1 aNSK L10

To Access the NSK Calculation Tools

Table 1.4 Reliability Factor

90
1.00

95
0.62

10

Fig. 1.6 Change in Contact Angle Due to Centrifugal Force

correction factor (aNSK) and reliability factor (a1; Table 1.4):

Reliability (%)
Reliability Factor

Part 8

force acting on the rolling element must be taken into account.

K = 0.5

improved material and heat treatment by correcting the

Part 7

external load, the internal load generated by the centrifugal

K= 2

10

NSKs new life theory considers the life extending affect of

Part 6

Cr, Cor valves and L10 standards do not exist in ISO281 for

K= 4

)}

When bearings operate at high speed, in addition to the

100
K= 1

{ (

Part

Life of Ceramic Hybrid Bearings

parameter (P-Pu)/C 1/ac as shown below:

P-P
a NSK F aL , , C au
c

Part 4

Life of High Speed Bearings

Fig. 1.4 New Life Calculation Diagram for Ball Bearings

The life correction factor aNSK is the function of lubrication

Part 3

Life

Life Correction Factor a NSK

Part 2

Visit our website at http://www.nsk.com

96
0.53

97
0.44

98
0.33

Outer ring

99
0.21
FC

Inner ring

FC : The Centrifugal Force Applied to The Rolling Elements

144

145