Generalized dynamic simulation of skid in ball bearings

Abstract

A new analysis for determining skid in ball bearings is presented in terms of a generalized integration of the differential equations of motions of the ball under prescribed traction-slip relationship at the ball contacts. The analytical formulation is free of assumptions like race control or no gyroscopic and the ball motion is defined in the generalized six degrees of freedom system. Based on the nature of available elastohydrodynamic traction data, a traction-slip relationship is postulated and the motion of the ball is examined when one of the races is subjected to an angular acceleration. The solutions predict both the magnitude of slip velocities and the expected wear rates for a prescribed wear coefficient. Influence of preload is examined and the capability of the present formulation in determining the required preload to prevent skidding is demonstrated. The computer program developed to obtain the time dependent ball motion is introduced as an up-to-date design tool in predicting skid and ball motion as a whole in angular contact ball bearings.