Design and parametric study of flexible ball bearings: A finite element approach

Performance evaluation of flexible ball bearings throughout design is typically performed experimentally, which may be time and cost-intensive. This paper presents a finite element procedure for determining optimal design parameters of flexible ball bearings using flexibility and contact stress analysis. This methodology is validated by comparing numerical and theoretical results for the variation of contact stress with ball diameter. Results reveal that design parameters such as inner/outer race thickness and ball bearing diameter are highly dependent on loading and stresses. The proposed novel methodology can provide detailed insights regarding design parameters influencing flexible bearing performance, thereby improving design and analysis.