Dynamic Analysis of Ball Bearings Due to Clearance Effect

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic behavior of ball bearings due to radial internal clearance and rotor speed has been analyzed. The approach presented in this paper accounts for the contact between rolling elements and inner/outer races. The equations of motion of a ball bearing are formulated in generalized coordinates, using Lagrange’s equation considering the vibration characteristics of the individual constitute such as inner race, outer race, rolling elements. The effects of speed of rotor in which rolling element bearings shows periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic behavior are analyzed. The results also show the intermittent chaotic behavior in the dynamic response is seen to be strongly dependent on the speed of the rotor. The results are obtained in the form of frequency responses. The validity of the proposed model verified by comparison of frequency components of the system response with those obtained from experiments. The peak-to-peak frequency response of the system for each speed is obtained. The current study provides a powerful tool design and health monitoring of machine systems.