Analysis of non-uniform load distribution and stiffness for a preloaded roller linear motion guide. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, De-Jun; Xu, Sheng-Hao; Kim, Su-Jin; Zhang, Sheng-Wen
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 164(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Roller linear motion guide -- Contact angle -- Non-uniform load distribution -- Roller-raceway contact state -- Energy loss -- Stiffness matrix; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2021.104407
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Highlights: A new approach is proposed to analyze the non-uniform load distribution and stiffness. The variation curves of the contact angle of each raceway are thoroughly investigated. The relation between non-uniform load distribution and contact state is discussed. The energy loss in the RLMG is used for stiffness matrix modeling. The new approach has advantages in precision and validity compared to other models. Abstract: The roller linear motion guide (RLMG) is a key transmission component in heavy-load mechanical systems, and its internal non-uniform load distribution and stiffness greatly affect the stability of mechanical systems. To determine the accurate non-uniform load distribution and stiffness of the RLMG, a new approach is proposed by considering the variations of the contact angle, roller-raceway contact state, and energy loss. The variations of the contact angle are calculated by considering the initial contact angle, preload, and block flexibility. The non-uniform load distribution of each roller is studied under various roller-raceway contact states. The energy loss is calculated according to the sliding friction between contact surfaces under the loading process. Then, a new stiffness matrix is developed by modifying the energy balance equations, which are iteratively solved using the artificial bee colony algorithm. The variations of the contact angle, non-uniform load distribution, energy loss, and stiffness with external load and preload are discussed. The proposed approach is compared with other models and published experimental results. The comparison results demonstrated that the proposed approach is more precise than the other models.