Tangential Forces in a Clearance Fit
Tangential Forces in a Clearance Fit
(OP)
I have a .508" steel shaft with a plastic bushing of size .511" (.003" clearance) and I'm trying to determine the tangential forces applied onto the shaft by the bushing. The coefficient of friction between the components is estimated 0.37.
I've found plenty of literature on pressure for interference fits, but none on clearance fits.
Essentially, I'm trying to determine a function how clearance between components affects the force applied to the shaft. F(clearance) = Force
Thank you!
I've found plenty of literature on pressure for interference fits, but none on clearance fits.
Essentially, I'm trying to determine a function how clearance between components affects the force applied to the shaft. F(clearance) = Force
Thank you!





RE: Tangential Forces in a Clearance Fit
If I am understanding your situation correctly then as I see it the only tangential force acting will be friction between the shaft and the bushing, this will be directly related to the mass of the shaft over the two bearings, this shaft mass will also generate pressure and bearing stress on one side of the bearing, now as the shaft and bearing contact are on an infinitely thin tangential line the stress would be infinite, your best bet would be to look for Hertzian contact which hopefully deals with what you are looking for.
“Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater.” Albert Einstein
RE: Tangential Forces in a Clearance Fit
Here is a calculator that may shed some understanding, but without verification who knows if it is correct.
http://www.amesweb.info/HertzianContact/HertzianCo...
RE: Tangential Forces in a Clearance Fit
Kind of like the thing that happens in hydrodynamic bearings bot opposite.
http://gasturbinespower.asmedigitalcollection.asme...
Do you mean something else?
RE: Tangential Forces in a Clearance Fit
If the clearance exists all around the shaft (i.e. it's suspended by some mechanism not mentioned yet), the radial force is zero, hence the tangential force is zero.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA