Hi all
A bit of a vague one this but here goes. If you have a shaft mounted in 2 spherical roller bearings and drive it via a typical chain/sprocket arrangement, what factors will tend to make the shaft move along its own axis (as well as rotating)? The drive sprocket is at one end of the shaft outside the bearings. OK, I can see that if the shaft isn't perpendicular to the drive chain then this would be a likely cause. Also, it is accepted practice to fit locking rings to prevent this wander. But I am trying to find factors which cause this movement rather than remedies at this stage - any other suggestions?
I am talking about large equipment and slow rotation speeds if that makes a difference. The purpose of the shaft is to drive a chain conveyor via a pair of large sprockets within the machine and between the 2 bearings.
TIA
Phil