Vol.25, No.2, 2025, pp. 213–220
https://doi.org/10.69644/ivk-2025-02-0213

INFLUENCE OF LUBRICANT CONTAMINATION ON BALL BEARING RATING LIFE

Tatjana Lazović* , Pavle Ljubojević , Milan Stojanović

1) University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Belgrade, SERBIA

T. Lazović https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8919-3336 ; P. Ljubojević https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5546-5046

*email: tlazovic@mas.bg.ac.rs 

 

Abstract

This paper examines the service life of deep groove ball bearings, emphasizing a systems approach to service life calculation according to ISO 281. The contamination in the lubricant can accelerate wear and fatigue on the contact surfaces of bearings, leading to shortened service life. The paper investigates the influence of lubricant contamination on the service life of bearings using empirical data and established standard formulas. The resulting diagrams analytically show how service life varies depending on bearing size and operating conditions, such as lubricant viscosity, sealing efficiency, and load levels. The study's findings offer a more accurate understanding of ball bearing service life estimation under real operating conditions.

Keywords: • ball bearing • rating life • lubricant contamination • ISO 281 

full article (1.41 MB)