Theoretical calculation and analysis on friction torque in RV reducer main bearing

A theoretical method to calculate the friction torque of the RV reducer main bearing was presented aiming at the problem that the RV reducer precision running requires low friction torque. The more accurate location of the pure rolling lines in the contact and friction torque calculation formula was derived based on the works of Luc Houpert and the quasi static analysis which adopted the D' Alembert principle. The properties of friction torque of H76/182 RV reducer main bearing were analyzed. Results showed that the total friction torque of bearing increased with a larger difference between inner and outer groove curvature coefficient. The increase of the curvature coefficient will lead to the decrease of the total friction torque. Change rules of friction torques of the different groove curvature coefficient were qualitatively analyzed. The friction torque calculation model was verified by experiments. The experimental results were compared with the SKF empirical formula and the Luc Houpert calculation method. The proposed friction torque calculation formula was more accurate and closer to the experimental results than the other two calculation formula.