Nonlinear dynamic analysis of ball bearings due to varying number of balls and centrifugal force

Abstract

This paper aims to study the influence of varying number of balls on nonlinear dynamic behavior of an unbalanced rotor supported by ball bearings. Centrifugal force due to rotation of balls is included in the model. An oscillating spring-mass-damper is considered to formulate the contact between races and rolling elements. Stiffness for the spring-mass-damper system is calculated using Hertzian elastic contact deformation theory. The results show appearance of regions of periodic, sub-harmonic and chaotic behavior on response of the system. Invariably, the route to chaos is seen to be intermittency mechanism by period doubling behavior. Poincare maps and frequency responses are used to explain and to study the system behavior.