3-D Numerical Analysis Investigating Distribution of Contact Pressures for a Number of Cylindrical Bearing Axial Profiles When Placed Under Radial Load Conditions

Increased torque values passing from engine to transmission have, increasingly become a problem regarding shaft misalignment. Engineers are restricted with regard to applying ISO standards when investigating bearing life cycles as they tend only to cover normal [radial thrust] load conditions. Depending on the application, the need has arisen for numerical models to determine reduction in normal life cycles due to abnormal running conditions.

The Simulia Finite Element package Abaqus v6.7 provides trends in the deformations, contact pressures and their respective distribution. It was found the most efficient profile, with regards to a uniform contact pressure, under both radial and misaligned conditions is the toroidal profile. It was also found that the toroidal bearing was subject to the greatest tilt moment. logarithmic profile shows, in opposition to the novel and toroidal type profiles, a poor distribution of contact pressure at low loadings however as loads are increased the distribution improves. The un-profiled roller produces high edge stresses even under relatively low load conditions, and shows a fairly linear relationship regarding the contact stress-load increase.