A New Dynamic Model of Ball-Bearing Rotor Systems Based on Rigid Body Element

Ball-bearing rotor systems are key components of rotating machinery. In this work, a new dynamic modeling method for ball-bearing rotor systems is proposed based on rigid body element (RBE). First, the concept of RBE is given, and then the rotor is divided into several discrete RBEs. Every two adjacent RBEs are connected by imaginary springs, whose stiffness is calculated according to properties of the RBEs. Second, all the parts of rolling ball bearings (i.e., outer ring, inner ring, ball, and cage) are considered as RBEs, and Gupta's model is employed to model bearings which include radial clearance, waviness, pedestal effect, etc. Finally, the rotor and all the rolling ball bearings are coupled to develop a dynamic model of the ball-bearing rotor system. The vibration responses of the ball-bearing rotor system can be calculated by solving dynamic equations of each RBE. The proposed method is verified with both simulation and experiment. The RBE model of the rotor is compared with its finite element (FE) model first, and numerical simulation shows the validity of the RBE model. Then, experiments are conducted on a rotor test rig which is supported with two rolling ball bearings as well. Good agreements between measurement and simulation show the ability of the model to predict the dynamic behavior of ball-bearing rotor systems.