Experimental determination of damping in rolling bearing joints

Abstract

Equivalent radial stiffness and damping coefficients of ball bearing joints are identified from a bearing test rig through measured linear frequency domain transfer functions. Common least square techniques are used to curve fit analytical transfer functions of a MDOF-mechanical model of the test rig to the measured transfer functions. Both, the damping caused within the dry Hertzian contacts between the balls and the raceways and the damping within the bearing to housing interface are determined separately. A substantial interface damping is observed that may explain significant deviations between theoretical and experimental results stated in the literature.