An innovative dynamic model for vibration analysis of a flexible roller bearing

Due to the centrifugal forces and external loads, the components of a cylindrical roller bearing (CRB) will produce elastic deformations, which will significantly influence the bearing vibrations. In this work, an innovative analytical dynamic model is proposed to provide an in-depth vibration analysis of a CRB with the flexible rollers, races, shaft, and housing. In this model, the structure deformations of the roller and races caused by the centrifugal forces and external loads are formulated, as well as the shaft and housing deformation. Both the nonlinear Hertzian contact force, lubricating oil film, and roller mass are also modelled. The above parameters cannot be completely described by the previous rigid dynamic models in the reported literature. Influences of the roller deformations, race deformations, external load, and rotational speed on the vibrations of the flexible and rigid CRBs are analyzed. The results indicate that the elastic deformations of the rollers and races have a significant influence on the vibrations of the CRB. Comparisons of the listed results show that this work can provide a more accurate and reasonable dynamic modelling method for a flexible CRB system. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.