MHCL 2026 conference
50th Anniversary (1976–2026)

Section: Constructions and Design Engineering
Abstract: In aim to investigate possible failure causes of thrust ball bearings in heavy machinery excavators, this paper presents the analysis of stress and deformations in balls-raceway interfaces because of carrying whole upper construction and allow rotation movement in respect to the lower. Authors are observing three samples of large size bearings with similar dimensions (8,5 to 10m) and nominal capacity (1476 to 1710 tons). In case of uniform distribution of the external axial load on all bearing balls, calculated stresses values are sufficiently small compared to the critical. Nonuniform distribution caused by tilting shows that stress and deformation values for ball under the maximal load are near to the limit of static load capacity. Presented results could be very useful tool in study and explanation of  failure causes in excavators thrust bearings, illustrated by images of balls and raceways damage appearance.

Aleksandar Marinković
Associate Professor
University of Belgrade
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Tatjana Lazović
Associate Professor
University of Belgrade
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Ljubica Milović
Associate Professor
University of Belgrade
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy

Svetislav Marković
Professor
Technical College Čačak