An optimisation analysis of external profile modification of outer raceway of a track needle roller bearing

The stress concentration phenomenon in the outer raceway will greatly influence the life and operational accuracy of track needle roller bearings (TNRBs). A reasonable contact surface profile of the outer raceway can reduce the stress concentration on its external profile. To reduce the stress concentration on the external profile of the outer raceway, a non-ideal Hertzian contact (NIHC) model for describing the interactions between the guide rail and outer raceway is presented by using the NIHC theory. The effects of the fully crowned profile (FCP), partially crowned profile with one curvature centre (PCPO), partially crowned profile with two curvature centres (PCPT), and logarithmic profile (LP) on the stress distribution between the guide rail and outer raceway are studied. Note that the stress concentration phenomenon of the PCPO case, PCPT case, and FCP can be produced. The stress distribution of LP case is more symmetrical and uniform than other cases. The stress distribution of the LP case is smaller than those of other cases. Therefore, the LP is more suitable for the outer raceway of the TNRB. Moreover, this method can be helpful for obtaining a reasonable external profile modification case of the outer raceway of the TNRBs.