How do ultra-high-speed integrated bearings cope with the high temperature and friction generated during high-speed rotation?

In modern high-tech industries, ultra-high-speed integrated bearings are widely used in applications that require high-speed rotation, high precision and high stability, such as aerospace, precision instruments, automotive engines, electronic equipment and motion control systems. Since the bearings in these applications need to run at extremely high speeds, the high temperature and friction generated by the bearings during high-speed rotation become key factors affecting their performance and service life. This article will explore how ultra-high-speed integrated bearings can effectively cope with these challenges and maintain their high efficiency and long life.

1. Challenges brought by high-speed rotation
When bearings run at ultra-high speeds, two main issues will directly affect their performance:

High temperature: As the speed increases, the friction inside the bearing also increases. The heat generated by friction causes the bearing temperature to rise sharply. High temperature not only accelerates the degradation of the lubricant, but also reduces the hardness and strength of the bearing material, thereby affecting its service life and precision.

Friction: Friction is an important factor in bearing movement, especially when rotating at high speeds. High friction not only causes temperature rise, but also increases energy loss, affecting the efficiency of the machine.
2. Selection of high-performance materials
In order to cope with the challenges of high temperature and friction, ultra-high-speed integrated bearings usually use high-performance materials with excellent heat resistance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The following are several commonly used materials:

Ceramic materials: Many ultra-high-speed integrated bearings use ceramic materials (such as silicon nitride or aluminum oxide) as rolling elements and raceways. Ceramic materials have extremely low friction coefficients and excellent heat resistance, and can maintain stable performance at high temperatures. In addition, ceramic materials are lighter than steel, which can effectively reduce inertia burden and increase speed.
Special alloy steel: For some high-speed applications that need to withstand large loads, alloy steel (such as high-carbon stainless steel or bearing steel) is often used to manufacture ultra-high-speed integrated bearings. Alloy steel performs well in high-temperature environments and can maintain high hardness and strength, thereby reducing friction and wear.
Lubricating materials: Lubricating oils or greases used in high-temperature environments need to have higher heat resistance and stability. High-quality lubricating materials can effectively reduce friction while preventing premature failure. Common lubricants include synthetic lubricants and high-temperature greases, which have strong thermal stability and can withstand the high temperatures generated by high-speed operation.
3. Efficient lubrication system
Effective lubrication is one of the keys to solving high temperature and friction problems. Ultra-high-speed integrated bearings are usually equipped with an efficient lubrication system to ensure that sufficient lubricant is continuously provided during high-speed rotation. The design of the lubrication system has the following key points:

Oil-gas lubrication: In many ultra-high-speed applications, an oil-gas lubrication system is used, in which lubricating oil is mixed with gas to provide sufficient lubrication. This system can reduce friction and reduce temperature inside the bearing while keeping the inside of the bearing clean.
Seal design: In order to prevent lubricant leakage and avoid the entry of external contaminants, ultra-high-speed integrated bearings usually adopt a seal design. The seal not only ensures the long-term supply of lubricant, but also effectively protects the bearing from the external environment, thereby reducing friction and wear.
Automatic lubrication system: Some applications also use an automatic lubrication system to automatically adjust the amount of lubricant according to changes in the working environment to ensure that the bearing is always in the best lubrication state during high-speed operation.
4. Thermal management technology
Thermal management technology plays a vital role in the design of ultra-high-speed integrated bearings. In addition to using high-performance materials and lubrication systems, it is also necessary to effectively dissipate heat through structural design. The following are common thermal management methods:

Heat conduction design: Through the design and structural optimization of the bearing, the heat conduction between the bearing and the external environment is enhanced to help disperse the heat generated during the rotation process. For example, by increasing the contact area of ​​the bearing or designing heat dissipation holes or heat sinks in the bearing housing, the bearing temperature can be effectively reduced.
Cooling system: Some ultra-high-speed integrated bearings are used in equipment that requires long-term high-load operation and may be equipped with liquid cooling or air cooling systems. The liquid cooling system helps the bearing maintain a lower temperature through the flow of coolant, while the air cooling system removes heat from the bearing surface through high-speed airflow.