Bearings
Bearings and Loads
Radial and axial loads
Radial and axial loads are the forces exerted on bearings. Radial loads are forces that act perpendicular to the axis. Axial loads, on the other hand, act in the longitudinal direction of the shaft on the bearing. In most cases there is a combination of both loads.
When choosing bearings, the type of load should be taken into account. Certain types of bearings can only absorb radial or axial forces, or axial forces in one direction. It is also possible that different bearings must be used to support a shaft. However, most radial bearings are able to withstand some axial forces as well.
Static and dynamic loads
In bearing technology, a distinction is also made between a static and dynamic load. Under a static load, the bearing is stationary. In this case, there is no movement of the bearing rings relative to each other, or the bearing rotates very slowly; this is indicated as Co. Most bearings are naturally loaded dynamically with the bearing rings rotating relative to each other; this is denoted as C.
The dynamic load number C is used for the calculation of dynamically loaded bearings, when choosing a bearing rotating under load. It indicates the load that will yield an ISO rated life of 1 million rotations.