The use of FEM to evaluate the influence of logarithmic correction parameters of roller generators on the axle box bearing life

Abstract In the roller-raceway contacts of the radial cylindrical roller bearing used in the axle boxes of a railway bogie, pressure accumulation may occur, reducing the fatigue life. This accumulation can be eliminated by applying logarithmic correction of generators and in particular varieties of the modified logarithmic correction. The correction parameters should be adapted to the operating conditions of the bearing. This article presents a comparison of the predicted fatigue life of an axle box bearing on correctly selected correction parameters with bearing life, in which correction of roller generators was used, typical for cylindrical roller bearings of general application. The finite element method was used to determine the subsurface stress distributions necessary to calculate the fatigue life.