Dynamic Analysis of a Deep Groove Ball Bearing Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

In present work, a deep groove ball bearing commonly known as rolling element bearing (REB) has been analyzed using finite element method (FEA). Vibration response has been extracted in the y-direction and used to estimate the bearing characteristic frequencies. In past two decades, defects have been analyzed using vibration response collected from experimental setup. When rolling element pass through the defect, an impact load transmitted through the bearing part to the surface of the bearing housing. Dynamic analysis of the bearing has the capability to analyze the bearing while in motion and calculate the stress developed in each part of the bearing as well as extraction of the vibration signal.
In this piece of research, dynamic analysis of a deep groove ball bearing is conducted using finite element method (FEA) without and with known defect. For simulation, a widely used bearing with model number W-6206 2Z has been taken into consideration which is very common in 3-wheeler automobiles. Two models have been modeled in the simulation software ANSYS 15.0. The first model designed with a healthy bearing and a three support system whereas the second model with the known defect i.e. wear in the outer race inner surface. In the simulation of the first model, various boundary conditions have been given in the simulation software ANSYS 15.0 to find the rotation of the bearing model W-6206 2Z. Vibration signals extracted from this analysis have been further analyzed. The second model with known defect, which has been made at the inner surface of the outer race has been exposed to the same boundary conditions. Faulty signature has been found, when the ball rolled over the known defect, monitored from the signals captured by an accelerometer.