w

B
4. Bearing Load Calculation

given herein are for two general-use gear and shaft

arrangements: parallel shaft gears, and cross shaft gears.

To compute bearing loads, the forces which act on the

shaft being supported by the bearing must be determined.
Loads which act on the shaft and its related parts include
dead load of the rotator, load produced when the machine
performs work, and load produced by transmission of
dynamic force. These can theoretically be mathematically
calculated, but calculation is difficult in many cases.

(1)Loads acting on parallel shaft gears

The forces acting on spur gears and helical gears are
depicted in Figs. 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. The load magnitude
can be found by using or formulas (4.2), through (4.5).
N
K
19.1 X 106 - H

A method of calculating loads that act upon shafts that

convey dynamic force, which is the primary application of
bearings, is provided herein.

Dp n
{
k

(4.2)
1.95X106 - H

Dp

4.1 Load acting on shafts

4.1.1 Load factor
There are many instances where the actual operational
shaft load is much greater than the theoretically calculated
load, due to machine vibration and/or shock. This actual
shaft load can be found by using formula (4.1).

Ks = Kt tan a ( S p u r
gear) _

helical
gear)
cos

(4.3b)

K = fw -Kc (4.1) where,

K : Actual shaft load N {kgf}
fw : Load factor (Table 4.1)
Kc : Theoretically calculated value N {kgf}

Kr =

Very little or
no shock
Light shock

Heavy shock

fw

4.1.2 Gear load

The loads operating on gears can be divided into three
main types according to the direction in which the load is
applied; i.e. tangential (Kt), radial (Ks), and axial (Ka). The
magnitude and direction of these loads differ according to
the types of gears involved. The load calculation methods

(4.4)

Right angle shaft load (resultant force of

tangential force and separating force), N {kgf}
Ka : Parallel load on shaft, N {kgf} H : Transmission
force , kW n : Rotational speed, min-1 Dp : Gear pitch
circle diameter, mm a : Gear pressure angle, deg /
3 : Gear helix angle, deg

Application

1.01.2 Electric machines, machine tools,

measuring instruments.
1.21.5 Railway vehicles, automobiles, rolling
mills, metal working machines, paper
making machines, printing machines,
aircraft, textile machines, electrical
units, office machines.
1.53.0 Crushers, agricultural equipment,
construction equipment, cranes.

VKt +K

Ka = Kt- tan ^ ( H e l i c a l gear) (4.5) where,

Kt : Tangential gear load (tangential force), N {kgf}
Ks : Radial gear load (separating force), N {kgf} Kr :

Table 4.1 Load

Amount of shock

(4.3a)

tan a

Because the actual gear load also contains vibrations and

shock loads as well, the theoretical load obtained by the
above formula should also be adjusted by the gear factor fz
as shown in Table 4.2.

Fig. 4.3 Radial resultant forces

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4.2

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Load Calculation

Gear

Gear type
Precision ground gears(Pitch and tooth profile
errors of less than 0.02 mm)
Ordinary machined gears(Pitch and tooth
profile errors of less than 0.1 mm)

pinion and gear load is as follows:

fz

Ksp=Kag(4.6) Kap=Ksg(4.7)

1.051.1

where,

1.1 1.3

Ksp, Ksg : Pinion and gear separating force, N {kgf}

Kap, Kag : Pinion and gear axial load, N {kgf}

(2)Loads acting on cross shafts

Gear loads acting on straight tooth bevel gears and spiral
bevel gears on cross shafts are shown in Figs. 4.4 and 4.5.
The calculation methods for these gear loads are shown in
Table 4.3. Herein, to calculate gear loads for straight bevel
gears, the helix angle 3 = 0.

For spiral bevel gears, the direction of the load varies

depending on the direction of the helix angle, the direction
of rotation, and which side is the driving side or the driven
side. The directions for the separating force (Ks) and axial
load (Ka) shown in Fig. 4.5 are positive directions. The
direction of rotation and the helix angle direction are
defined as viewed from the large end of the gear. The gear
rotation direction in Fig. 4.5 is assumed to be clockwise

The symbols and units used in Table 4.3 are as follows:

Kt
Ks
Ka
H
n

: Tangential gear load (tangential force), N {kgf}

: Radial gear load (separating force), N {kgf}
: Parallel shaft load (axial load), N {kgf}
: Transmission force, kW
: Rotational speed, minDpm : Mean pitch circle
diameter, mm
a
:
Gear pressure angle, deg
/ 3 : Helix angle, deg
5
:
Pitch cone angle, deg
Because the two shafts intersect, the relationship of

(right).

Fig. 4.4 Loads on bevel gears

Kt

Fig. 4.5 Bevel gear diagram

A-3

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NTN Bearing Load Calculation

Table 4.3 Loads acting on bevel
Types of load

Rotation
direction
Helix
direction

Tangential load (tangential force)Kt

Radial load (separation Driving side
force)K

Driven side
Parallel load on gear Driving side
shaft (axial load)Ka Driven side

Clockwise

Counter clockwise

Clockwise

Counter clockwise

Right

Left

Left

Right

Ks=Kt

Ks=Kt
Ka=Kt
Ka=Kt

tan a
tana
tana
tana

A-4

cos 3

cos3
sin3
sin3

19.1X106

-H

D pm n

+tan sin 3[

cos

[ 1.95X106

Ks=Kt

cos3

- H lD pm n

tan a

,I

" - tan sin 3 cos

- tan sin 3 cos

Ks=Kt

- tan cos 31 cos

+tancos3 cos

Ka=Kt tana sin3 +tan cos3cos

Ka=Kt tana
-tan cos3 cos

tan a

cos 3

sin3

+tan sin 3 cos

shafts are distributed to the bearings.

For example, in the gear shaft assembly depicted in Fig.

4.7, the applied bearing loads can be found by using
formulas (4.10) and (4.11).

Fig. 4.6 Chain / belt loads

This example is a simple case, but in reality, many of the

calculations are quite complicated.
4.1.3 Chain / belt shaft load
The tangential loads on sprockets or pulleys when
power (load) is transmitted by means of chains or belts
can be calculated by formula (4.8).
N
19.1 X10-1
6

a
c
+
b

, aa+b , d FrA=

+
b cFi +
d
FrB=TT

where,

FrA: Radial load on bearing A,

FrB : Radial load on bearing B,
F i , F i : Radial load on shaft,

N {kgf}
N {kgf}
N {kgf}

Dp n
(4.8)

If directions of radial load differ, the vector sum of each

respective load must be determined.

1.95X10 H

Dp n

{kgf} -

where,

Kt : Sprocket/pulley tangential load, N {kgf}

H : Transmitted force, kW
Dp : Sprocket/pulley pitch diameter, mm
For belt drives, an initial tension is applied to give
sufficient constant operating tension on the belt and
pulley. Taking this tension into account, the radial loads
acting on the pulley are expressed by formula (4.9). For
chain drives, the same formula can also be used if
vibrations and shock loads are taken into consideration.

Kr=fb Kr- - ( 4 . 9 )
where,

Kr: Sprocket or pulley radial load, N {kgf} fb :

Chain or belt factor (Table 4.4) 4.2 Bearing load
Table. 4.4 chain or belt
factor f b

Chain or belt type

fb

Chain (single)

1.21.5

V-belt

1.52.0

Timing belt

1.11.3

Flat belt (w / tension pulley)

2.53.0

Flat belt

3.04.0

distribution
For shafting, the static tension is considered to be
supported by the bearings, and any loads acting on the

Fig. 4.7

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Bearing Load Calculation

F
o
r
r
o
l

4.3 Mean load

The load on bearings used in machines under normal
circumstances will, in many cases, fluctuate according to a
fixed time period or planned operation schedule. The load
on bearings operating under such conditions can be
converted to a mean load (Fm), this is a load which gives
bearings the same life they would have under constant
operating conditions.
(1) Fluctuating stepped load
The mean bearing load, Fm, for stepped loads is
calculated from formula (4.12). F1 , F2.....Fn are the
loads acting on the bearing; m , n2....nn and i 1 , i2.
(4.12)

in are the bearing speeds and operating times

respectively.

l
e
r

T ( m fi) where:
(3) Linear fluctuating load
The mean load, F m, can be approximated by formula
(4.14).

Fig. 4.10 Linear fluctuating load

b
e
a
r
i
n
g
s

Fmin

2Fmax

...(4.14)

p
=
3
F
o
r

(2) Continuously

b
a
l
l

case (a) Fm=0.75Fmax(4.15) case (b)

Fm=0.65Fmax(4.16)

b
e
a
r
i
n
g
s

F
Fmax

AA

/VV
Fm

Fig. 4.8 Stepped load

(a)

FFmax

=
1
0
/
3

A
A

Fm

(4.13)
(b)

A-6

Fig. 4.9 Load that fluctuated asFig.

function4.11
of timeSinusoidal

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Bearing Load Calculation

fluctuating load
Where it is possible
to
express
the
function
F(i)
in
terms of load cycle
i o and time i , the
mean load is found
by
using
formula
(4.13).
Fm =

F{tfd
where:

-1t ]

p=3
For ball
bearings
p=10/3
For roller
bearings
(4)
Sinusoidal
fluctuating
load
The mean load, F m,
can be approximated
by formulas (4.15) and
(4.16).

A-7

Bearing Load Calculation

(1) Static equivalent radial load

For radial bearings the static equivalent radial load can be
found by using formula (4.19) or (4.20). The greater of the
two resultant values is always taken for P or.
Por=Xo Fr+ Y o F a- ( 4 . 1 9 )

4.4 Equivalent load

4.4.1 Dynamic equivalent load
When both dynamic radial loads and dynamic axial loads
act on a bearing at the same time, the hypothetical load
acting on the center of the bearing which gives the
bearings the same life as if they had only a radial load or
only an axial load is called the dynamic equivalent load.
For radial bearings, this load is expressed as pure radial
load and is called the dynamic equivalent radial load. For
thrust bearings, it is expressed as pure axial load, and is
called the dynamic equivalent axial load.

(1) Dynamic equivalent radial load

The dynamic equivalent radial load is expressed by formula

(4.17).

Pr=XFr+YFa(4.17)
where,
Pr : Dynamic equivalent radial load, N {kgf} Fr : Actual
radial load, N {kgf} Fa: Actual axial load, N {kgf} X :
Radial load factor Y : Axial load factor The values forX and
Y are listed in the bearing tables.

(2) Dynamic equivalent axial load

As a rule, standard thrust bearings with a contact angle of
90 cannot carry radial loads. However, self-aligning thrust
roller bearings can accept some radial load. The dynamic
equivalent axial load for these bearings is given in formula
(4.18).

Pa=Fa+1.2Fr(4.18)
where,
Pa : Dynamic equivalent axial load, N {kgf} Fa : Actual
axial load, N {kgf} Fr : Actual radial load, N {kgf} Provided
that Fr / Fa ^ 0.55 only.
4.4.2 Static equivalent load
The static equivalent load is a hypothetical load which
would cause the same total permanent deformation at the
most heavily stressed contact point between the rolling
elements and the raceway as under actual load conditions;
that is when both static radial loads and static axial loads
are simultaneously applied to the bearing.

where,
Por: Static equivalent radial load, N {kgf} Fr : Actual radial
load, N {kgf} Fa : Actual axial load, N {kgf} Xo : Static
radial load factor Yo : Static axial load factor The values for
X o and Y o are given in the respective bearing tables.
(2) Static equivalent axial load
For spherical thrust roller bearings the static equivalent
axial load is expressed by formula (4.21).

Poa=Fa + 2.7Fr- ( 4 . 2 1 )
where,
Poa: Static equivalent axial load, N {kgf} Fa : Actual axial
load, N {kgf} Fr : Actual radial load, N {kgf} Provided that
Fr / Fa ^ 0.55 only.
4.4.3 Load calculation for angular contact ball
bearings and tapered roller bearings
For angular contact ball bearings and tapered roller
bearings the pressure cone apex (load center) is located as
shown in Fig. 4.12, and their values are listed in the
bearing tables.
F Fr
0.5

Y
When radial loads act on these types of bearings the
component force is induced in the axial direction. For this
reason, these bearings are used in pairs. For load
calculation this component force must be taken into
consideration and is expressed by formula (4.22).
......................... (4.22)
where,
Fa: Axial component force, N {kgf} Fr: Radial
load, N {kgf} Y: Axial load factor
The dynamic equivalent radial loads for these bearing
pairs are given in Table 4.5.

For radial bearings this hypothetical load refers to pure

radial loads, and for thrust bearings it refers to pure centric
axial loads. These loads are designated static equivalent
radial loads and static equivalent axial loads respectively.

Fig. 4.12 Pressure cone apex and axial component force

PorFr

(4.20)

A-9

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Bearing Load Calculation

Table

4.5

Bearing

arrangement

Bearing arrangement
Rear
Brg n

M M

dynamic

Load condition

Axial load

0.5Fri ^ 0.5Frn ,
+ FaFi Fn

Brgi Brgn

Brgi Front

and

F ai -

0.

FFrn

Dynamic equivalent radial load

FaFn

0.5FrW 0.5Frn , FFi

Brgi BrgnRear
Brgn Brgi Front

Fa

>

Fn

0.5Frn ^ 0.5Fri ,

Fn

>

Fi

+F

0.

Fri

Fa

F an - 0.FFri + Fa
F ai - 0.FFrn FaFn

Prn=XFrn + Fn

0.5FrI

FaFI

Pr I =Fr I
Prn =XFrn + Fn 0.|F + FaFI
Pr I =XFr I + F I i0-5Frn F a ) Fn
rI

Prn = Frn

Note 1: Applies when preload is zero.

2: Radial forces in the opposite direction to the arrow in the above illustration are also regarded as positive.

A-10

F aI Fn

0.5F rn

Pr I =Fr I
F an -

0.5Frn ^ 0.5Fri ,
+ FaFn Fi

PrI=XFrI+ F l
Prn=Frn

1 -J hr-J

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Bearing Load Calculation

Therefore, with life factor f h = 2.46, from Fig. 3.1 the

rated life, Lioh, is approximately 7,500 hours.

4.5 Bearing rating life and load calculation examples

In the examples given in this section, for the purpose of
calculation, all hypothetical load factors as well as all
calculated load factors may be presumed to be included in
the resultant load values.

(Example 3)
Determine the optimum model number for a cylindrical
roller bearing operating at the rotational speed n = 450
min-1, with a radial load Fr of 200 kN {20,400kgf}, and
which must have a life (Lioh) of over 20,000 hours.

(Example 1)
What is the rating life in hours of operation (Lioh) for deep
groove ball bearing 6208 operating at rotational speed n =
650 min-1, with a radial load Fr of 3.2 kN {326 kgf} ?

From Fig. 3.1 the life factorfh = 3.02 (Lioh at 20,000),

and the speed factorfn = 0.46 (n = 450 min-1). To find the
required basic dynamic load rating, C r, formula (3.1) is
used.

From formula (4.17) the dynamic equivalent radial load:

Pr=Fr=3.2kN {326kgf} Basic dynamic load rating

Cr

Cr

for bearing 6208 given on page B-12 is 29.1 kN {2970 kgf},

ball bearing speed factor fn relative to rotational speed n =
650 min-1 from Fig. 3.1 is fn = 0.37. Thus life factor fh
from formula (3.5) is:

Pr

3 02
=1146

X20

1,313kN {134,000kgf}
From page B-106, the smallest bearing that fulfills all the
requirements is NU2336 (Cr = 1,380 kN {141,000kgf}).

A-12

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Pr=

:/n

29.1
3.2

=3.36

A-13

T
h
(
W
h
T
f

C
a
F
F

F
P

=
F
r
C
1
.f

h
=

A
-

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NTNBearing Load Calculation

1
5
0
X
2
,
0
0
0

2.46

(Example 4)
The spur gear shown in Fig. 4.13 (pitch diameter Dp =
150 mm, pressure angle a = 20) is supported by a pair
of tapered roller bearings, 4T-32206 (Cr = 54.5 kN
{5,600 kgf}) and 4T-32205 (Cr = 42 kN {4300 kfg}).
Find rating life for each bearing when gear transfer power
H = 150 kW and rotational speed n = 2,000 min1.

=
9
.
5
5
k
N

Therefore: a2 = 1.4 (4T-tapered roller bearings shown in

{
9
7
4
k
g
f
}

K
s

B-144)

=
K

Fig. 4.13 Spur gear diagram

Lhi = 13,200 X 2

t
a
n
a
=
9
.
5
5
X
t
a
n
2
0

13,200X
1.4
18,480
hour

Lh2 = 11,600 X 2
11,600X
1.4
16,240
hour
The combined bearing life, Lh, from formula (3.3) is:

=
1

ce+ e ]L

hi

Lh2

3
.

c-

18,480
9/8

1/e

+ 16,2409,330 hour

The gear load from formulas (4.2), (4.3a)

and (4.4) is:
19.1 X109/8
6

{
3

- H 19,100X150

Kt =
D

g
f
A-15

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NTNBearing Load Calculation

}K
=/K

+K
=/
9.55
+
3.48
=
10.16
kN
{1,04
0kgf}
The
radial
loads
for
bearin
gs !
and
are:

A-16

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Bearing Load Calculation

NTN

F r1
K

10
0
=
17
0
0.5FrI

10
0
T70
17
0

X10.16=5.98kN {610kgf}
K^=^T70
X10.16=4.18kN {426kgf}

^ 0.5Fr2

^F^ =1.87^^i-12
1

=1.25

Yi Yn
From Table 4.5, equivalent radial load: Pri =Fri
=5.98kN {610kgf}

Yi

0.5FrI

Prn ^XFrn + Y n
= 0.4X4.18+1.67X1.87
= 4.79kN {489kgf} From formula (3.5) and
Fig. 3.1 the life factor, f h, for each bearing is:

fhi=fn Pr11 =0.293X54.5/5.98=2.67

P ri
fhn fn PC 0.293X 42.0/4.79 2.57
P rn
rn

A-17

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Bearing Load Caicuiation

allowable axial load when cylindrical roller bearing

NUP312 is used under the following conditions:
Provided that intermittent axial load and oil lubricant.

(Example 5)
Find the mean load for spherical roller bearing 23932
(La = 320 kN {33,000 kgf}) when operated under the
fluctuating conditions shown in Table 4.6.
(Example 6)

Radial load Fr=10kN {1,020kgf}

Rotational speed n =2,000 min
Radial load is:
= r -1
f=0.293

Table
Condition Operating
Radial
Axial
time<*>i %
No.i
loadFrikN { kgf loadFaik N { kgf
}
}
1
5
10 { 1020 }
2 { 204 }
2
10
12 { 1220 }
4 { 408 }
3
60
2 0 { 2040 }
6 { 612 }
4
15
2 5 { 2550 }
7 { 714 }
5
10
30 { 3060 }
1 0 { 1020 }

Revolution
m min1

33.3

1200
1000
800
600
400

The life factor, fh,from formula (3.4)

=3.63
124

f h=0.293^^
Therefore the basic rated life, Lnh, from Table 3.1 Lnh
=500X3.6310/3 =37,000
And next, allowable axial load of cylindrical roller
bearing is shown in page B-93.
In formula (1) on page B-93, based on NUP312 from
Table 4 on page B-93, k = 0.065.

dp=(60+130)/2=95mm, n=2,000 min-1 Take into

consideration that intermittent axial load.

Table
Equivalent radial load. Pri kN
{ kgf}
17.7 { 1805 }

46.4 { 4733 }

5 5 . 3 { 5641 }

75.1 { 7660 }

-J

2,000 min
-1
, from Table 3.1
2,000

Pri = XFri + Y2 Fai = 0.67Fri + 5.50Fai

. I (Pri10/3.mi
From formula (4.12) the mean load, Fm, is:
F
m 4>iL
3/1

30.0 { 3060 }

2.000 Pr=Fr=10kN {1,020kgf} The

speed factor of cylindrical roller bearing, fn, at n =

The equivalent radial load, P r, for each operating

condition is found by using formula (4.17) and shown in
Table 4.7. Because all the values for Fn and Fai from
the bearing tables are greater than Fa / Fr > e= 0.18, X
= 0.67, Y2 = 5.50.

i3
f

Find the threshold values for rating life time and

Condition
No.i
1

(495) 2233071

dp nX104=19X104 In Fig. 1 on page B-93, dp n = 19X104. In the case of intermittent axial load,
allowable surface pressure at the lip Pt = 40 MPa.
Therefore the allowable axial load, P t, following
Pz =0.065 X 602 X 40 = 9,360N {954kgf} Based on
Table 4 of page B-93, it is within the limits of Fa max <
0.4X10,000 = 4,000 N. Therefore Pt < 4,000 N
{408 kgf}.

=48.1kN {4,906kgf}

A-19