Contact characteristics of ball bearings under variable speeds

The rolling element bearings work under dynamic operating conditions in practical applications. Contact characteristics of rolling element bearings are essential to the analysis of bearing dynamic performance. An interaction model considering the oil film and hysteresis damping between the ball and cage is developed. Numerical results have been obtained for contact forces between bearing components for various values of the frequency and amplitude of harmonic component of the shaft speed. The characteristics of the effect of harmonic shaft speed on contact under combined load conditions are represented. The results of the present study can provide a theoretical reference for improving the reliability and fatigue life of rolling element bearings.