Cage structural topology optimization considering thermo-mechanical coupling

The performance of the cage can directly affect the service life of the bearing. This paper presents a cage topology optimization method for improving the heat dissipation and structural stiffness. Firstly, a multi-objective structural topology optimization model is established based on the SIMP method and MMA algorithm, the effects of force and thermal load are considered comprehensively. Secondly, considering the centrifugal force and frictional heat, under the conditions of a given volume constraint, the bearing cage topology optimization model is carried out with heat dissipation weakness and compliance as the optimization objectives. Using iterative calculations based on the MMA algorithm and boundary smoothing processing, the structure with the optimal material layout is obtained. Finally, compared with the initial structures, the maximum temperature reduces about 27% and the maximum stress reduces about 14.8%. The results show that topology optimization can provide a reference for the design of bearing cages, which can improve the structural performance while reducing weight.