Finite element analysis of layered, variable density, ball bearings based on pearl and turtle shell bionic structures

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present ball bearings with a composite structure based on the bionics principle and shows the comparison between five types of different structures. Design/methodology/approach By means of the finite element method, the stress and other parameters between different structures are compared and verified. Finally, the comprehensive parameters of different structures are evaluated by the analytic hierarchy process method. Findings The evaluation of the comprehensive parameters of five types of structures is shown here. Originality/value The value of this paper is calculated and compared to the parameters of five types of different structures, and the parameter score evaluation of each structure is given. Different structures can be selected according to different parameter requirements, which to provide a theoretical basis for the design of ball bearings. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0413