Dynamic interaction between the rolling element and cage of rolling bearing considering cage flexibility and clearance

The dynamic interaction between the rolling element and cage has a significant effect on the bearing performances. However, there have been few investigations of this interaction. Hence, this study analyzes this interaction based on dynamic simulations. A dynamic model is proposed considering both the cage flexibility and variable pocket clearance. A comparative analysis is implemented of the proposed model and two widely used models, namely the rigid-cage model and flexible-cage model under a clearance-free assumption. This reveals the necessity of considering the cage flexibility and pocket clearance when estimating ball-cage impacts. Then, the transient response of ball-cage contact impacts is investigated under different cage flexibility and initial pocket clearance values. The coupled influences of these two parameters and operating conditions are evaluated and discussed. The results indicate that it is imperative to consider the cage flexibility and pocket clearance simultaneously to obtain an accurate estimate of the ball-cage interaction. The circumferential stiffness of the cage, initial pocket clearance, and speed of the bearing play a dominant role in the ball-cage dynamic interaction.