Numerical Characterization of the Load Distribution in Ball Screws

Abstract Load distribution in ball screws is a representation of the ball contact stress, and it is fundamental to understanding the behavior of these machine elements. This work aims to conduct a multi-variable analysis of the load distribution in ball screws. For this purpose, a numerical tool is developed for the generation and calculation of ball screw FEM models, which has been validated against the state of the art. Many different design variables are studied in order to obtain a general characterization of the morphology of the load distribution in ball screws. The two most characteristic features, the non-uniformity at a local and global level are identified, along with as the possible causes of their appearance and the consequences that they may cause.