A nonlinear dynamic analysis of skidding behavior in rolling bearings using lubricant traction coefficients and cage flexibility

Skidding is a primary cause of rolling element bearing (REB) failure, which is influenced by operating conditions, lubricant properties, and bearing design. This paper presents an improved nonlinear dynamic model of REBs to analyze the impact of lubricant characteristics on REB skidding at different speed states. The model considers time-varying traction coefficient, cage flexibility, and cage pocket clearance. The selected tested lubricants include lithium grease (LGT2), compound calcium sulfonate (CCS) grease, and 4109 Chinese aviation oil. Simulation results show that CCS grease effectively reduces cage skidding, with the lowest load limits (300 N at 2000 RPM) under constant speed conditions and the highest stable limit (2932 RPM) during acceleration. LGT2 grease exhibits minimal sensitivity to acceleration and fluctuation speed parameters change.