Duration of thesis project: 9 months

Demcon is active in the high-tech industry among other things. In fast-moving applications it is necessary to create linkages and hinges that operate accurately and without failure for a high number of cycles.

For precision applications with small angular variations, such hinges can be realized by flexure elements, such as leaf springs, in various configurations. For large angular variations, precision ball bearings can be used. Although these bearings will wear, this phenomenon is well-understood and predictable as ball bearings are widely used in, for instance, cars and trains.

The problem arises for reciprocating motion through an angle that is not feasible for flexures, but where the motion amplitude is smaller than the minimum motion as specified by the bearing manufacturer. In the case of an application where the force is high (order of magnitude: 5…50 kN) and the angular amplitude is bigger than 6 … 8°, the bent shape of a leaf spring will not be strong enough to transfer this force without unrealistic dimensions.

The assignment will focus on the ball bearing (or other roller bearing). To make predictions about life time of a roller bearing under high-load, small angle, high-cycle conditions.

What we expect:

• Tribology study of the problem of a roller bearing and its lubrication over life time.
• Prediction of life time of a bearing.
• Verification by realizing a test setup.