Dynamics of Machine Tool Spindle/Bearing Systems Under Thermal Growth

Increased use of high-speed machining creates the need to predict spindle/bearing performance at high speeds. Spindle dynamic response is a function of the nonlinear bearing stiffness. At high speeds, thermal expansion can play an important role in bearing stiffness. A complete bearing load-deflection analysis including thermal expansion is derived and is coupled with an analysis of spindle dynamic response. Steady-state temperature distribution is found from heat generation at the contact point and from a quasi three-dimensional heat transfer model. Numerical solutions give a good prediction of thermal growth and heat generation in the bearing. Predicted high-speed spindle frequencies show good agreement with experimentation. The effects of loading condition and bearing material type on bearing stiffness are also shown.