Abstract
Slewing bearings are widely used in industry to provide rotary support and carry heavy load. The load-carrying capacity is one of the most important features of a slewing bearing, and needs to be calculated cautiously. This paper investigates the effect of mesh size on the finite element (FE) analysis of the carrying capacity of slewing bearings. A local finite element contact model of the slewing bearing is firstly established, and verified using Hertz contact theory. The optimal mesh size of finite element model under specified loads is determined by analyzing the maximum contact stress and the contact area. The overall FE model of the slewing bearing is established and strain tests were performed to verify the FE results. The effect of mesh size on the carrying capacity of the slewing bearing is investigated by analyzing the maximum contact load, deformation, and load distribution. This study of finite element mesh size verification provides an important guidance for the accuracy and efficiency of carrying capacity of slewing bearings.
Highlights
Slewing bearings are the core components of large-scale rotating equipment, which is mainly composed of rolling elements, rolling rings, and isolation blocks, and is used to support rotatory motion and transmit loads
An optimal mesh size of a contact model can be effectively determined by comparing the results of the stress contours, the maximum contact stress, and the contact area to Hertz theory
When the finite element mesh size is smaller than 50% of the short semi-axis length calculated by Hertz contact theory, the errors of the maximum contact stress and the contact area become stable, and the errors are within the acceptable range and can be used for subsequent carrying capacity analysis.[18]
Summary
Slewing bearings are the core components of large-scale rotating equipment, which is mainly composed of rolling elements, rolling rings, and isolation blocks, and is used to support rotatory motion and transmit loads. The harsh working environment, high working frequency, heavy load (axial force, radial force, and overturning moment), and large structural size (the maximum diameter can be up to 40 mm) are the characteristics of the slewing bearing. 4200 MPa), and the raceway failure exceeds 98% of the total failure of the slewing bearing.[1,2] the carrying capacity of the slewing bearing needs to be investigated to improve the reliability and service life of the slewing bearing. This has become the principle of the slewing bearing design, which is of great help to reduce the accident rate, casualties, and economic losses
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