Step-by-step approach of rolling bearings modelling for efficient FEA contact analysis

Abstract

This paper presents an optimized and systematically developed Finite Element Method approach for modeling ball bearings, aiming to achieve efficient and precise contact analysis. For this purpose, a 3D Finite Element Model for deep groove ball bearings with defects on ring races was developed in ANSYS APDL software. Special attention was focused on defining contact elements, adjusting the model mesh, and other modelling parameters to solve the nonlinear contact problem. The results show that with adequate numerical modelling, highly accurate results can be obtained while significantly reducing computational demands and calculation time.