A dynamic model of three-point contact ball bearings integrated with a finite element flexible cage model

In three-point contact ball bearings (TPCBB), the collision between balls and pockets play an important role in bearing dynamic performance. On one hand, the collision force may cause the cage to deform, which in turn will change the collision force. On the other hand, the collision force causes changes in the stress distribution of the cage, which may lead to fatigue failure of the cage. However, most existing models have ignored these effects. A new bearing dynamic model integrating a finite element cage model is established, which can comprehensively consider the pocket and cage deformation. The model is validated via commercial finite element software and experiments. In comparison with the rigid cage model, the effect of cage flexibility on the dynamic behavior of the bearing is examined through key parameters such as the actual pocket clearance, strain energy, and curvature radius of the contact area. The proposed model offers potential benefits for optimizing cage structure and mitigating cage failures in TPCBBs.