Development of Clutch Release Bearings using Finite Elements Method.

Clutch systems applications require that their components resist to high dynamics and static efforts that should be considered in the development process. These requirements are determined taking account the vehicle application, such as loadcases, materials, life time and environment conditions. In the case of CRB components generally the design is based on contact angular ball bearing. Normally static analysis are performed, computing stresses and displacements, however in this specification the results are checked using static and fatigue safety factors according to the strength assessment evaluation, Germany standard: FKM (Richtlinie - Rechnerischer Festigkeitsnachweis für Maschinenbauteile). Actually more powerful computers have reduced gradativally the cost for industries and with the constant improvements of FE programs, it is possible to simulate the complete assembly using contact interactions to get closer to the reality. Nevertheless due their properties as non-linear, rolling bearings requires high demands on calculation methods and this is a limitation on time calculation. For future case it could be shown a new method to represent the non -linear mechanical behavior of ball elements and respective raceways. A method were developed for static finite element analysis and converted into the form of user -defined element, improving results accuracy and time-calculation.