Effect of stick and slip zones on fatigue life of a slewing ball bearing

Prediction of fatigue life of slewing ball bearings is challenging due to the influence of large deformations and adverse lubrication conditions. The present study presents an elegant simulation model that considers the flexibility of the supporting elements of the slewing bearing along with stick/slip zones at the raceway-ball contact interface. Using the stresses predicted by the simulation model, relative fatigue life using stick/slip condition versus no-friction condition is computed. A sensitivity study of the ball contact force, ball contact angle, coefficient of friction and raceway conformity is also performed. The present study also evaluates the results in comparison with full-sliding assumptions. The final results show that the stick/slip zone determination at the contact interface is beneficial for accurate determination of fatigue life of slewing bearings.