laakerihäviöiden

Laakerihäviöt, also known as bearing losses, refer to the energy dissipated within a bearing during its operation. This energy loss primarily manifests as heat. These losses are crucial to understand in mechanical engineering as they directly impact the efficiency of machinery, the lifespan of components, and the overall operational costs.

The main contributors to bearing losses are friction. There are several types of friction present in a bearing. The most significant is generally considered to be rolling friction, which occurs between the rolling elements (balls or rollers) and the raceways. This friction is influenced by factors such as the load on the bearing, the speed of rotation, and the lubrication conditions. Another contributing factor is viscous friction, arising from the shearing of the lubricant film between the moving surfaces. Adhesion, where microscopic high points on opposing surfaces weld together and then break, also plays a role, particularly in situations with inadequate lubrication. Furthermore, churning losses, caused by the lubricant being agitated by the rotating components, can be significant at high speeds.

Minimizing laakerihäviöt is a key objective in bearing design and application. This is typically achieved through careful selection of bearing type, appropriate lubrication strategies (including the type and amount of lubricant), and ensuring proper installation and maintenance. Understanding and controlling these losses helps to improve energy efficiency, reduce wear and tear on machinery, and extend the operational life of bearings.