On the Radial Vibration of Ball Bearings : Computer Simulation

Abstract

Computer simulation is used to analyze the radial vibration of ball bearings in order to overcome the experimental and theoretical difficulties : the experimental difficulties are due to the complicated interaction of the dominant factors while the theoretical difficulties are due to the nonlinear spring behaviour and time-dependent excitation of ball bearings. The inner ring motion, which involves the Perret-Meldau problem, is considered in the radial plane for an ideal bearing the massive inner ring of which rotates at a constant speed under a constant radial load. The results show that superharmonic, subharmonic, beat and chaos-like vibrations appear, in addition to harmonic vibration which synchronizes with ball passage.