Accurately calculating the forces and torques acting on the bearing position is the prerequisite for selecting the optimum bearing size and guaranteeing the required service life. The following is based on the official myonic technical manual.

1. Calculation of Loads

All acting forces must be taken into account, including:

  1. Weight of the moving part
  2. Centrifugal force (imbalance)
  3. Dynamic loads (acceleration / deceleration)
  4. Forces generated by belt or gear drives
  5. Preload Fap of duplex bearings

1.1 Pure Radial Load

When the external force acts perpendicular to the shaft axis:

Radial Load Case 1

Load Distribution Case 1

Radial Load Case 2

Load Distribution Case 2

Radial Load Formula:

Fr = Qr / 2

(Assuming the load is centered between the two bearings)

1.2 Pure Axial Load

Axial Load - Alternating

Fa = Q (alternating load)

Axial Load - Unidirectional

Fa = Q (unidirectional load)

Axial Load - Alternating Duplex

Fa = Q (alternating load)

Axial Load - Tandem Arrangement

Fa = Q (alternating load)

Note: To allow an axial load to be supported by several ball bearings, the bearings must be arranged in pairs1 (ring to ring, in direct contact), or precisely manufactured intermediate rings must be used.

1.3 Combined Loads

When the external force Q acts at an angle β, it must be resolved into a radial component (Qr) and an axial component (Qa).

Combined Loads Resolution
Load Component Resolution Formula Normal installation Duplex in tandem
Radial Component Qr Qr = Q · cos β Fr = Qr / 2 Fr = Qr
Axial Component Qa Qa = Q · sin β Fa = Qa (borne by a single bearing) Fa = Qa

1.4 Duplex Bearing Preload (Preload Fap)

Ball bearings used in duplex form (O or X arrangement) have a preload Fap, whose value may be greater or smaller than the actual axial load Fa. The magnitude of the preload is adjusted according to the operating conditions and expected service life.

2. Equivalent Dynamic Load (P)

Used to calculate the rated service life (L10) of the bearing. The equivalent load P converts the actual radial and axial loads into a single hypothetical load that has the same effect on bearing life.

Calculation Formulas

Bearing Type Formula (P)
Radial Deep Groove Ball Bearings P = X · Fr + Y · Fa
Axial Deep Groove Ball Bearings P = Fa

About Coefficients X and Y (per the official myonic X/Y lookup table):

These coefficients are determined by Fa / Fr and a second lookup parameter, Fa / (Z · Dw2) (Z = total number of balls, Dw = ball diameter in mm). Refer to the official myonic X/Y coefficient table on the "Service Life Calculation" page for specific values.

3. Equivalent Static Load (P0)

Used to verify the load capacity of the bearing at standstill or at very low speeds, ensuring that no permanent deformation occurs.

Calculation Formulas

Bearing Type Formula (P0) Coefficient Values
Radial Deep Groove Ball Bearings P0 = X0 · Fr + Y0 · Fa
If P0 < Fr, then P0 = Fr
X0 = 0.6
Y0 = 0.5
Axial Deep Groove Ball Bearings P0 = Fa -

4. Static Load Safety Factor (S0)

The static safety factor S0 represents the ratio of the basic static load rating C0 to the equivalent static load P0, and is used to evaluate the safety margin.

Calculation Formula:

S0 = C0 / P0

Or, to determine the required C0: C0 = S0 · P0

S0 Guideline Values

Operating Conditions S0 Range
Low Requirements
Smooth operation, no vibrations
0.5 ... 0.7
Normal Requirements
Standard operating conditions, no significant vibrations
1.0 ... 1.2
High Requirements
Impact loads, high reliability requirements
1.5 ... 2.0
ESC