Finite elements method modelling of rolling bearings
This study presents to determine the contact stress in rolling bearings by using analytical and numerical method. Analytical solution is obtained by using Hertizan contact theory. Obtained analytical solution by this theory require comparison with the numerical calculations to obtain more accurate results for contact problems. Because of that the same problems are also examined by using finite element method. The geometry of the model being studied gives different type of contact configurations such as a point or line of contact. In cylindrical roller bearing the contact form is line contact and for the ball bearing the contact characteristic is point contact. High stress occurs on both of these two contact areas. Contact stress causes elastic or plastic deformation and the contact area will change depending on the magnitude of the contact stress. Therefore, it is really important to calculate more accurate stress at the contact area.