Numerical investigation on press forming of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings

The maintenance-free operation of plain bearings is accomplished through the use of a durable PTFE liner system, which reduces friction between the spherical surfaces of the inner and outer rings. Stainless steel spherical plain bearing is a type of high performance bearing with press-formed outer ring. Press forming is a key process for the outer ring forming which influences overall performances of the spherical plain bearings. In this paper, the press forming of outer ring in a typical spherical plain bearing is numerically investigated using finite element modelling and simulations and focus on the final press-formed shape of the ring after springback as well as contact pressure and residual stress. Simulation results are found consistent with those from the actual measurements of bearing osculation and they can provide theoretical guides for enhancing performance of the spherical plain bearings and improving the shape of the outer ring blank or the die design consequently.