Characterization of tractive, inertial rolling dynamics

Machine parts are often equipped with rolling elements, such as bearings, friction wheels, cams etc. The modeling of the dynamics of rolling friction plays therefore an essential part in the simulation and optimization of those systems. This paper describes a recently developed transient-rolling-friction model, and its application to different generic dynamical systems to simulate the effects of rolling friction on the dynamics of mechanical systems. The results, which are expressed in terms of the complex stiffness arising in the rolling-contact patches, show that the behavior depends on both the amplitude and the frequency of oscillation. For low amplitudes and frequencies, the behavior is quasi linear. For increasing amplitudes and frequencies, however, strong nonlinearities appear, leading to complex behavior. © 2008 by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Department of Mechanical Engineering All rights reserved.status: publishe