3D Meshing Methods of Ball-Rolling Bearings

This article deals with the problem of 3D meshing of ball-side parts of bearings. The article consists of 5 thematic units. In the first paragraph, the geometry of a bearing is being analysed with the basics of the simulation and its problems in general. The second part presents a generated 3D model of the bearing with the rolling solid. This rolling solid was divided by 5 different methods for 3D meshing. The third part of this article deals with the subject of 3D modelling of rolling solids in general, using Apex Grizzly programme with the feature of Linear HEX Elements and Tetra Elements, describing the method "2.5D meshing" and conditions for the approach. The fourth part addresses the calculation in MSC Marc Mentant programme. In this part, the calculation method for a model with three contact surfaces is being described. The simulation problems of Ball-rolling bearings and calculation of Hertz contact trough analytic equation is analysed. The last section of this article presents the conclusion of different types of simulations of the rolling-ball bearings. Also, each length of the contact surfaces with each other, as well as the computing Hertz contact values versus simulation were compared. Last but not least, the nod amount of elements influenced by the method of how the rolling solids were divided is compared. In conclusion, there is a suggestion on which meshing method should be preferably used. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.