Losses of bearings operating under high-speed conditions, such as in electric drives or spindle applications, are mainly driven by elastohydrodynamic effects, influenced by application parameters and lubricant properties. Higher rotational speed and lubricant viscosity theoretically lead to thicker lubricant films, resulting in increased torque losses. Additionally, displacement of lubricant volume in the contact zone contributes to energy losses.
This study aims to improve the understanding of how the supplied minimum lubricant quantity affects both film formation and torque losses in high-speed rolling contacts. Furthermore, the study investigates the onset of starvation under these specific conditions.
Bearing tests are conducted with varying lubrication parameters, focusing on lubricant supply, film formation, and torque loss. Based on the findings, a test strategy for high-speed applications is presented, including an assessment of the transferability to grease-lubricated bearings.