A bearing is a machine element that constrains relative motion and reduces friction between moving parts of the machine to obtain the desired motion. eg., To stop deviation in a shaft of a machine while rotating, a bearing is used. The equipments which support the rotating parts of a machine are called bearings.
The word bearing is derived from the verb “to bear”, a bearing being a machine element that allows one part to bear another.
Bearings are used in parts having relative motion. The motion may be rotational, reciprocating, or a combination of these two. Bearings are classified broadly according to the type of operation, the motions allowed, or to the direction of forces applied to the parts.
So in this chapter, we will study about classification of bearing to know about their working operations.
Classification of Bearings
There are many types of bearings used as per the requirement of the given system. According to design, load, and shape, there are many types of bearings used but the main bearings are as follows.
On the basis of friction, bearings can be classified asÂ
- Friction bearings
- Anti-friction bearings
On the basis of load, bearings can be classified as
- Radial or Journal bearings.
- Thrust bearings
- Pivot bearings
- Slipper bearings
On the basis of shape, bearings can be classified as
- Flat shape bearingsÂ
- Round or cylindrical shape bearings