Relative comparison of stiffness and damping properties of double decker high precision and conventional rolling-element bearings

This paper reports the relative comparison of stiffness and damping properties of Double Decker High Precision Bearing (DDHPB) and conventional rolling-element bearings. It has been determined that under different load and speed conditions, DDHPB and the conventional bearings have identical critical speed, comparable net deflection and stiffness. On the contrary, relative damping of the DDHPB, evaluated by rotating speed component of vibrations, at different operating conditions is approximately three times more than that of the conventional bearing. Excitation tests at different speeds have also indicated better damping characteristics of DDHPB as compared to the conventional bearing. This potential of DDHPB permits its use in typical industrial applications where damping is a significant requirement.