Load capacity of a three-row roller slewing bearing raceway

AbstractA calculation model for fatigue lifetime determination of a three-row roller slewing bearing raceway is presented. First, the contact force distribution between the roller and the raceway is analytically determined from the basic bearing geometry and the external loads acting on the bearing assembly. Then a numerical model is employed to calculate subsurface stress distribution in the raceway as a result of the contact force between the roller and the raceway. Numerically calculated subsurface stress field serves as an input for the fatigue calculation of the raceway, which is done according to the stress-life approach. Two different types of rollers are investigated: plain cylindrical roller and a profiled roller. Finally, the influence of the roller geometry on the fatigue life is pointed out