SKF SimPro Quick

Case study

Step-by-step: modelling in practice with SKF SimPro Quick

One of the key values of SKF SimPro Quick lies in the core expertise and knowledge of SKF with applying bearings in rotating machines. Embedding this expertise in powerful simulation software with a simple user interface, combined with the ability to select bearings directly from SKF’s latest Rolling Bearings Catalogue, means we can provide customers with the best user experience possible.

Every bearing arrangement and use case is different, and a vast number of factors can affect bearing performance. But SimPro Quick can help optimize the bearing arrangement design through a user-friendly, step-by-step process:

Step 1: componentry.

This involves building the application model using bearings, gears, springs and spacers that can easily be dragged and dropped onto the shaft. Bearings can easily be added to the shaft once it’s defined, thanks to a walkthrough process that covers shaft diameter, bearing type, bearing designation and mounting. Similar processes cover the type, geometry and power input of gears, spring preloads and spacer endplay values.

Step 2: boundaries.

Next, relevant boundary conditions are applied, including shaft rotational speed, radial and axial forces, power input, moment load and gravity. All can be applied either through an icon click or on a drag-and-drop basis, and all except gravity can be varied at the analysis stage.

Step 3: lubrication and clearance.

SimPro Quick gives users the ability to define lubrication method and type (grease, oil bath or oil spot), oil viscosity, and the level of contamination. There’s also a sub-window for modifying shaft and housing fits, initial internal bearing clearance and the temperatures of the inner and outer rings. All these factors can have important impacts on outputs or operating bearing clearances.

Step 4: analysis.

After completing the model, an option is provided to run a single data-set analysis or to run several conditions (a load cycle analysis) based upon the defined operating boundaries. These are defined using a table interface, with time weight options also available for determining bearing life.

Step 5: results and output.

The output of the analysis is available in a variety of data tables and visuals, including:

• Tables for bearing loads, operating internal clearances, friction, misalignment, deflection and SKF rating life
• Polar plots for contact angle, deformation and load that indicate conditions for each rolling element
• Shaft deflection plots for seal contact clearance, shaft movement relative to other components, and shaft bending stress
• Three-dimensional animations for roller pressure distribution, and the impact of boundary conditions for shaft and bearing movement

At the end of this process, users will have a design for an optimized bearing arrangement that is fitted with the best SKF parts available and has been thoroughly assessed for its operating conditions and lifecycle. Armed with this information, users can accelerate to the build stage, or alternatively, consult with SKF if they feel further advice or expertise is needed.