ABSTRACT
Although ball and roller bearings appear to be simple mechanisms, their internal geometries are
quite complex. For example, a radial ball bearing subjected to thrust loading assumes angles of
contact between the balls and raceways in accordance with the relative conformities of the balls to
the raceways and the diametral clearance. On the other hand, the ability of the same bearing to
support the thrust loading depends on the contact angles formed. The same diametral clearance or
play produces an axial endplay that may or may not be tolerable to the bearing user. In later
chapters, it will be demonstrated that diametral clearance affects not only contact angles and
endplay but also stresses, deflections, load distributions, and fatigue life.
