Load distribution analysis in hull and turret interface bearing of armoured fighting vehicles

There are simple and well established formulae and data sheets for load calculations and design of uniaxial and biaxial loaded bearings. The load calculations and bearing design are complex and challenging, when the bearing is subjected to multi-axial loads along with moment and shock load. In case of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, the hull & turret interface bearing is subjected to combined heavy axial, radial load coupled with heavy shock load and tilting moments. This may cause significant changes in bearing deflections, contact stress and fatigue endurance compared to simpler load distributions. The empirical formulae for calculation of load distribution on each rolling element lead to indeterminate equations with many unknown variables. In the present study, a comprehensive procedure for determining the loading pattern and also numerical estimation of maximum load, maximum contact stress and the load distribution on each rolling element of the bearing are analysed.