GENSIM - A COMPACT REGRESSION-BASED MODEL FOR COULOMB TORQUE IN BALL-BEARINGS

A computable model is described for estimating Coulomb (frictional) to rque of a ball bearing under free rolling conditions. The model assume s complete microslip over the contact and makes use of precalculated p olynomial regressions to approximate the roll and spin moments and the lateral traction force at each contact. Iterative solution of the for ce and moment balance equations (with only two unknowns) then allows t he Coulomb torque to be found. Use of regressions in this way makes th e model compact and efficient at dealing with a wide range of rotation al speeds and contact geometries. The range of validity of the model i s discussed. From the so-far limited number of field trials, good agre ement exists with other codes and experimental data.