Thermo-mechanical model of spindles

This paper presents a Finite-Element-method-based thermo-mechanical model of spindles with rolling bearings. The heat generated in the bearings and the motor is transferred to the ambient air, the motor coolant and the spindle structure, and causes thermal expansion of spindle parts. The experimentally validated thermo-mechanical spindle model predicts temperature distribution and thermal growth, as well as bearing stiffness and contact loads, under specified operating conditions. Transient changes in temperatures, deformations, viscosity of the lubricant, and bearing stiffness are considered in the solution. The predicted bearing properties are used to estimate the changes in the dynamic behavior of spindles.