Numerische Optimierung von sekundären, geschmierten Punkt- und ellipsenkontakten zur gezielten Auslegung von Rollenlagern

Description

A central topic in roller bearing research is the optimization of load capacity, fatigue, rigidity, load distribution and dynamics. The secondary contact between the rolling elements and the ring rib within the roller bearings has a significant influence on these properties and offers great potential for increasing performance. Multi-body and dynamic simulations as well as analytical and numerical calculation approaches are used during the design process. The current state of the art of integrated contact calculations is based on the Hertz theory. This approximates the real geometry only in a simplified way and a certain error occurs, which affects the calculation of lubricant film height, friction, contact area and contact pressure. For this reason, a new calculation method for point and elliptical contacts in multi-body and dynamic simulations as well as in elastohydrodynamic investigations was developed as part of this work. The focus here was on the general, mathematically exact description of the macroscopic surface geometries in the contact. The validation of this method was carried out using the finite element method and the potential was demonstrated using the example of the optimization of a tapered roller bearing. The developed calculation method can thus improve the design of special rolling bearings adapted to the application and contribute to sustainability in mechanical engineering through wear reduction or more efficient material utilization.