Experimental Identification of Dynamic Parameters of Rolling Element Bearings in Machine Tools

Abstract

In-situ identification is essential for estimating bearing joint parameters involved in spindle systems because of the inherent interaction between the bearings and spindle. This paper presents in-situ identification results for rolling element bearing parameters involved in machine tools by using frequency response functions (FRF’s). An indirect estimation technique is used for the estimation of unmeasured FRF’s, which are required for identification of joint parameters but are not available. With the help of an index function, which is devised for indicating the quality of estimation or identification at a particular frequency, the frequency region appropriate for identification is selected. Experiments are conducted on two different machine tool spindles. Repeatable and accurate joint coefficients are obtained for both machine tool systems. [S0022-0434(00)02501-6]