Rolling bearing damping for dynamic analysis of multi-body systems—experimental and theoretical results

Abstract

Abstract

The present paper deals with the measurement and calculation of the damping capability of rolling element bearings. Rolling bearing damping is strongly influenced by the lubricated contacts between rolling elements and raceways. A theoretical model for calculating lubricant film (elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication) damping is briefly described in the first part of this paper. Furthermore, a relationship for estimating damping due to other dissipative mechanisms in the bearing is suggested. In the second part, two experimental approaches for measuring rolling bearing damping are discussed. The first (more ‘classical’) approach is based on conventional frequency response measurements and was used to verify the developed damping model regarding the influence of bearing lubrication, speed and preload. Finally, a new experimental approach for identifying rolling bearing damping is presented, eliminating some of the drawbacks of the ‘classical’ approach.