A general kinematic model for lubricated ball bearings based on the minimum energy hypothesis

Accurately predicting the performance of lubricated rolling elements is critical for certain key bearing applications. A widely employed simulation technique is quasi-static models, which although computationally efficient to implement, lack accuracy in predicting the kinematics of bearing components. This problem arises from their construction under kinematic assumptions, instead of solving the kinematic based on real frictional interactions. This paper presents a quasi-static model based on the minimum energy hypothesis for lubricated contacts, which determines the kinematic of the ball considering the effects of the frictional interactions governed by the elastohydrodynamic lubrication mechanism. The influence of kinematic variables on the sliding patterns and power loss distribution of the contact are analysed. The results are compared with other published quasi-static models, revealing substantial differences. The influence of the kinematic hypotheses on power losses are also studied at a bearing component scale. Finally, the effect of the governing lubrication mechanism of the contact is discussed, concluding that the limiting shear stress of the lubricant and the centrifugal forces have a significant effect on the kinematic of the ball.