Numerical simulation of the effect of angular misalignment on the dynamic behaviour of bearing

¹ Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
² Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

^* Corresponding author: tmashiyane12@gmail.com

Abstract

Bearing has been used extensively in numerous applications and their unplanned failure has a consequential effect on the smooth operation of the machinery. A slight misalignment in bearing has a detrimental effect on the smooth running of most machines. Hence, the paper leverages finite element technique to simulate the consequential effect of different degrees (0.1°, 0.2°, 0.3°, 0.4°, 0.5°) of misalignment on the dynamic behaviour of a cylindrical roller bearing subjected to typical operating conditions of an airflow root blower. The results of the study show that during operation, the temperature and Hertzian stress developed increased with an increase in the degree of misalignment and operating/rotating speed, and the maximum Hertzian stress was developed on the outer ring of the bearing in all the degrees of misalignments and operational speeds considered. Thus, making the outer ring of the bearing component, the most prone to failure during operation in the presence of misalignment.