In this paper it is shown how, in an angular contact ball bearing, the motion of a ball depends on the dimensions, loading and speed of the bearing. In general, ball motion in an angular contact bearing differs from the simple motion usually visualised by including oscillatory occurrences, shown here analytically, graphically and visually. These oscillatory occurrences are shown to lead to premature fatigue of the bearing metal, as a function of the speed of rotation, thereby imposing the present limitations on maximum speed and “ life.”

It is further shown that only when the dimensions of an angular contact ball bearing are related in a certain way, a motion is produced in which the oscillatory phenomena are eliminated. These relations are given as functions of loading and speed in a system of equations and limiting conditions (hereafter referred to as “ Relations of the Dimensions ”).