Abstract
This experimental project investigates the generation of dynamic forces produced from a ball that runs along the edge of a damaged and deformed outer-race of a ball bearing. To simulate this effect, a ball has been made to rotate at a certain speed through the inside of an egg-shaped trackway to illustrate and determine numerically the dynamic forces produced by such damage on a single-row deep-grove ball bearing. To propel the ball through the trackway, four electromagnets have been placed on specific locations along the trackway, allowing the ball to continue rotating so long as electricity is provided to the electromagnetic coils. The trackway and electromagnetic coil holders are 3-D printed using a polyester clear resin. The equation of motion of the system in a free frictionless circling ball state along the path, has been determined using the Lagrange equations. To simulate the motion of the ball, the trackway has been designed symmetrically, both in shape and center of mass. While this project is still a continuing project and not yet completed, it is envisioned that the dynamic forces would be studied as a function of the voltage applied to the coils circuits upon completion. This active device will be used to demonstrate the dynamic forces produced by a damaged ball bearing in a lab setting in the machine elements design course and for senior mechanical engineering working on their capstone project.