rotorbearing

A rotor bearing is a mechanical bearing that supports a rotor, allowing it to rotate with minimal friction while transmitting radial and axial loads. It is a critical component in many rotary machines, including electric motors, turbines, pumps, and gear-driven compressors.

Common bearing types include radial bearings such as ball and roller bearings, axial (thrust) bearings, and hybrid configurations that combine steel races with ceramic rolling elements. In high-speed or precision applications, fluid-film (hydrodynamic) bearings, air bearings, and magnetic bearings are used to achieve very low friction, high stiffness, and reduced wear.

Design considerations cover load capacity, stiffness, preload, clearance, lubrication method, sealing, and thermal management. Materials range from bearing steels like AISI 52100 to ceramics for high-speed service. Lubrication options include mineral oil or synthetic lubricants, grease, or dry films; some systems employ oil flow or gas seals to maintain cleanliness and cooling.

Failure modes include wear and fatigue from misalignment or overloading, lubrication failure and contamination, overheating, and mounting or housing issues. Monitoring methods such as vibration analysis, temperature sensing, oil analysis, and proximity probes help detect changes in clearance, runout, or shaft stability and enable predictive maintenance.

Applications span electric motors and generators, turbines and compressors, wind turbines, aerospace and automotive transmissions, robotics, and data storage devices such as hard disk drives. Proper lubrication, alignment, and cleanliness are essential to extending rotor bearing life and achieving reliable operation.