The effects of pre-load magnitude on the radial loading performance of pre-loaded cylindrical roller bearings

In accordance with the theory of contact mechanics, the radial stiffness, maximum contact stress and maximum radial load of pre-loaded hollow and solid cylindrical roller bearings are simulated with finite element method. And the effects of pre-load magnitude on the radial stiffness, maximum contact stress and maximum radial load of the bearings are researched mainly. The results show that the larger pre-load magnitude is, the larger the radial stiffness, the maximum contact stress and the maximum radial load are. Rational combination of pre-load magnitude and hollow ratio does not only enhance the radial stiffness, but also depress the maximum contact stress. The research offers the references for designing and using the pre-loaded cylindrical roller bearings.