Use of analytically describable geometries to calculate the contact between rolling element face and rib in bearing simulations

Abstract

Depending on the load situation, the large number of contact points in rolling bearings contribute differently to the frictional power, temperature development and therefore the operating capacity of the rolling bearing. Under axial load, the contact between the roller and rib in particularly influences the operation and thus the frictional performance of a roller bear ing, as it is the case with the new Angular Roller Unit (ARU) from Schaeffler. In existing programs for the dimensioning of rolling bearings, the contact calculation between the rolling element face and rib is usually based on the theory of HERTZ, although this is a simplification for complex geometries. This can lead to discrepancies in the calculation of deflections, contact surfaces and pressure compared to high quality numerical calculations (for example finite element analysis). In this paper a new, more accurate method for calculating the contact between the rolling element face and rib is presented and compared with the finite element method. The geometries are described analytically and form a substitute geometry which is pressed into a two-dimensional bedding following the approach of WINKLER. By means of the equilibrium of forces in the contact, similar to the work of POPOV, the contact area and the resulting pressure distribution can be calculated.