radiaalikuormat

Radiaalikuormat, or radial loads, are forces that act perpendicular to the axis of a rotating shaft. In machine elements such as bearings and housings, radial loads are the primary loading component and are distinct from axial (thrust) loads, which act along the shaft axis. Radial forces arise from gears and pulleys, belt tensions, gravity on rotating parts, misalignment, mounting fit, and inertial effects during acceleration or deceleration.

In bearing design, the ratio of axial to radial load influences the choice of bearing type and arrangement. Many rolling-element bearings are rated by a dynamic load rating (C) and can carry radial loads. When both radial and axial loads are present, the equivalent dynamic load P is used: P = XFr + YFa, where Fr is radial load, Fa axial load, and X and Y are factors dependent on bearing type and the Fa/Fr ratio. The standard life model for rolling bearings is L10 = (C/P)^3 × 10^6 revolutions, reflecting how life declines as the equivalent load increases.

Selection and application considerations include maximum and peak radial loads, load spectra, cycling, and misalignment. For pure radial loading, common bearing types include deep groove ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and spherical roller bearings. For significant axial loads or mixed loading, angular contact bearings, combinations of bearings, or special bearing arrangements may be required.

Practical design notes emphasize proper mounting to avoid unintended radial components from misfits, adequate lubrication, and monitoring under dynamic operating conditions. In Finnish engineering literature, radiaalikuormat is the term used to describe these perpendicular-to-axis forces and appears in design handbooks and standards as a fundamental loading concept.