Investigation of a saddle node bifurcation due to loss of contact in preloaded spherical roller thrust bearings

Spherical roller thrust bearings are used as supports in many rotating machineries. By applying an axial preload, clearance between the raceways and the rollers can be avoided. In order to increase the endurance, the preload shall be kept as low as possible. However, a bearing with low preload is sensitive of loosing full contact leading to nonlinear stiffness characteristics. The objective of this paper is to suggest a tool, which can be used to determine suitable preload and to show that a saddle node bifurcation can occur if the preload is too small. Studying the model in a rotating frame leads to an autonomous equation of motion from which stationary points and their stability can be analysed. Some set of parameters give a nonhyperbolic eigenvalue, and by investigating the corresponding central manifold it is found that a saddle node bifurcation occurs. Since explicit equations for the stationary points are derived, they can be used to choose a preload high enough to make sure that full contact always is a possible solution. It is however shown that if the preload becomes too small, the system enters an area of multiple solutions and a saddle node bifurcation can occur.