Computational model for determination of dynamic load capacity of large three-row roller slewing bearings

•Calculation model for dynamic load capacity of a large roller slewing bearing.•3D FEM-model is used for calculation of internal contact force distribution.•Influence of support deformation and clearance on the contact force distribution.•Influence of the roller profile on the raceway loading.

In the presented paper a calculation procedure for determination of dynamic load capacity of large three-row roller slewing bearings is presented. The calculation procedure consists of three main parts: (i) determination of internal contact force distribution in a large three-row roller slewing bearing with consideration of bearing clearances and ring support deformations, (ii) determination of stress field in the contact area between raceway and rollers as a consequence of contact forces and (iii) determination of the bearing’s fatigue life due to contact fatigue of the raceway. The internal contact force distribution is determined numerically by using a symmetry 3D FEM-model of a large three-row roller slewing bearing. Another numerical procedure is used to determine the stress field in the contact area between rollers and raceway. This problem is studied on different roller types: cylindrical roller (without profile correction), fully crowned roller (logarithmic-profile) and partially crowned roller (ZB-profile). Numerically determined contact stresses then serve as a basis for fatigue analyses, where the bearing’s service life of the bearing is determined by using the stress-life approach, considering typical material parameters of the bearing’s raceway.