Component test strategy for rolling bearings in high speed drive train applications

Bela Lehnhardt

Summary

Operating electric drivetrains in the high-speed range can significantly enhance performance and efficiency. However, higher circumferential speeds generate increased centrifugal forces, leading to greater mechanical stress on rolling bearings and other drivetrain components. At the same time, high speeds can induce lubricant starvation in the rolling contact, critically affecting friction, wear, and service life. A key factor in this context is the lubricant itself, as its properties and supply conditions strongly influence bearing performance. Precise experimental or numerical data on rolling bearing performance are essential, particularly for the development and validation of calculation models.

This work advances the investigation of rolling bearings in high-speed operation by presenting an adaptable test cell and testing methodology capable of reproducing a wide range of operating scenarios. These include variations in temperature and load as well as lubricant type and feed, whereby oils and greases are tested to assess their behaviour under high-speed conditions. Key performance indicators such as friction torque, vibration, and component temperature are continuously recorded. Additionally, a capacitive measurement system enables real-time monitoring of lubricant film thickness, providing direct insight into lubrication regimes and starvation phenomena.