Numerical noise generation in modelled bearing vibration signals

A two-dimensional (2-D) explicit dynamics finite element (FE) mo del of a rolling element bearing was solved using a commercial FE software package, LS-DYNA. It was found that the modelled bearing vibration signals contain a significant amount of numerical noise. This paper pro vides an explanation of the physical mechanism by which the numerical noise is generated. The noise frequencies were analytically estimated and filtered out to achieve comparatively clean vibration signals a nd rolling element-to-raceway contact forces.