Finite Element Analysis of Thrust Races With Nonuniform loading

The contact fatigue life of a roller thrust bearing depends on the roller load distribution, which is dependent on the shape of the raceway surfaces under load. This presentation will show a finite element method of calculating the deflections of a partially backed up thrust race with nonuniform loading. This loading can be the result of an eccentric thrust load, or nonparallel raceway surfaces. A brief discussion of the theory will be presented along with a typical application.