A Generalized Bearing Dynamic with Adaptive Variation of Equation Numbers and Sliding Behavior Investigation

The complex sliding behavior inside ball bearings seriously affects the mechanical system’s performance. Current dynamic models for predicting this behavior suffer from poor generality and convergence. To address this issue, different interactions between the ball and raceway are proposed in this paper to simulate the dynamic behavior by analyzing the bearing assemblies’ motion features under typical operating conditions. The number of variables and equations to be solved is determined adaptively according to the bearing load characteristics, thus improving the efficiency and convergence of the model solution. The good agreement between simulation results and experimental test results validates the reliability of the model. The sliding behavior at the ball/raceway interface under different conditions is further investigated. The results show that the heavy external loads can avoid severe sliding at the interface but shorten the bearing’s fatigue. When the bearing is subjected to combined load conditions, the increased radial force inhibits bearing sliding while increasing the non-uniformity of the sliding velocity distribution.