What is a Bearing Load Calculator?
A bearing load calculator determines how a radial load applied between two bearings is distributed across each bearing in a shaft system. This is essential for proper bearing selection and mechanical design.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the distance from the closest bearing to the load point (L1)
- Enter the distance from the further bearing to the load point (L2)
- Input the radial load applied between the bearings (P)
- Select your preferred unit system (Newtons or pound-force)
- Click "Calculate" to see the load on each bearing
Formulas
The bearing loads are calculated using static equilibrium principles:
$$R_1 = \frac{L_2 \cdot P}{L_1 + L_2}$$
$$R_2 = \frac{L_1 \cdot P}{L_1 + L_2}$$
Where:
- R1 = Load on Bearing 1 (closest to the load)
- R2 = Load on Bearing 2 (further from the load)
- L1 = Distance from Bearing 1 to the load point
- L2 = Distance from Bearing 2 to the load point
- P = Radial load applied between bearings
Example Calculation
Consider a shaft with a radial load of 500 N applied between two bearings:
- Distance from Bearing 1 to load (L1) = 12 m
- Distance from Bearing 2 to load (L2) = 8 m
Calculate R1:
$$R_1 = \frac{8 \cdot 500}{12 + 8} = \frac{4000}{20} = 200 \text{ N}$$
Calculate R2:
$$R_2 = \frac{12 \cdot 500}{12 + 8} = \frac{6000}{20} = 300 \text{ N}$$
Notice that the bearing further from the load (Bearing 1) carries less load (200 N), while the closer bearing (Bearing 2) carries more load (300 N). The total load equals the applied load: 200 N + 300 N = 500 N.