Modeling of the dynamic behavior of systems with rolling elements

Bearings, friction wheels, cams, etc. are widely employed elements in machine construction. The modeling of the dynamics of rolling friction plays therefore a crucial role in the simulation and optimization of such systems. This paper describes a recently developed transient-rolling-friction model with its application to different generic dynamical systems, to simulate the effects of rolling friction or traction 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 non-linearities appear, leading to complex behavior.