A semi-analytical approach for rapid detection of roller-flange contacts in roller element bearings

Abstract

For axially loaded cylindrical and tapered roller bearings, the dynamic behaviour of individual rollers, wear and friction losses are strongly influenced by roller-flange contact forces. For a realistic modelling of normal and friction forces of the roller-flange contact, it is essential to determine location and theoretical penetration of this contact. The rapid contact detection is particularly significant for rolling element bearing dynamic modelling in multibody systems. In this paper a semi-analytical algorithm for contact detection is introduced and compared to state of the art methods. The new approach adopts piecewise functions of spheres, cones and tori for modelling of roller end and flange geometry. The location of the contact and its theoretical penetration is calculated using analytical and combined analytical-numerical schemes. The semi-analytical approach proves to be significantly faster and numerically more stable than current contact detection algorithms without compromising precision.