How can you calculate the expected life of a bearing?

The expected life of a bearing is typically calculated using the L10 life formula, which is a standard method in bearing analysis. This formula estimates the life of a bearing based on the load it experiences and its basic dynamic load rating. The L10 life means that 90% of identical bearings will achieve at least this number of revolutions or hours of operation before failure, assuming consistent operating conditions.

The L10 formula is defined as:

L10 = (C/P)^3

where "L10" is the life in millions of revolutions, "C" is the dynamic load rating of the bearing, and "P" is the equivalent dynamic load acting on the bearing. This is vital for understanding how long a bearing is expected to last under given conditions and helps in selecting the right bearing for specific applications.

In contrast, calculating expected bearing life using the volume, the diameter, or the speed rating of the bearing does not provide a reliable measure of its longevity as it does not account for the dynamic loads and operational stresses that are essential for accurate life predictions.