Abstract:

Finite element analysis (FEA) is very difficult to converge when deep-groove ball-bearings are under axial load. This paper proposed a finite element method (FEM) to solve the converge problem and to analyze the impact of axial preload on the stiffness of deep-groove ball-bearing by adjusting the position of each part based
on theoretical calculation and by reasonably using enforced displacement. The proposed method was presented on deep groove ball bearing under axial force and combined forces. The FEA solution of contact deformation agrees well with the theoretical result within 5%, which proves the correctness of the FEM. The results show that the inverse of the slope of axial deformation-preload curve increases with preloads, so axial stiffness is improved. Moreover, with constant radial loads, preloads have little impact on the radial deformation when they increase within 200~400 N, which provides a reference for the design of preloads.

Key words: automotive, mechanical analysis, drive axle, deep-groove ball-bearing, preload, stiffness, finite element method (FEM)