Load Distribution Calculation of a four-Point-Contact Slewing Bearing and its Experimental Verification

Abstract

Analysis of the load distribution along raceways is fundamental for assessing dynamic and static capacity of the slewing bearings. In the literature, several finite element (FE) models have been proposed to estimate the load distribution and the deformation of slewing bearing. Although FE simulations are a useful tool for designers, there are a few experimental studies assessing accuracy and reliability of computations. In this paper, a FE model for a single-row four-point-contact slewing bearing is built in ABAQUS software. The key to the method is to simulate the balls under compression by traction-only nonlinear springs. Subsequently, the static loading experiment is designed: strain gauges are mounted on the inside circumference of the inner ring to obtain load distribution. The comparison between numerical and experimental results is discussed in detail. Remarkably, FE results are consistent with experimental data.