Modeling of selected load-bearing structures using the truss and beam elements

The article presents the methodology of adjusting the usable properties of rodlike and beam elements for modeling the complex load-bearing structures. The basic object of consideration was the single-row slewing ball bearing. In this paper the mapping issues of usable qualities of the slewing bearings are summarized in relation to use of the finite element method. The emphasis is primarily on using the rod-like and beam elements for modeling the contact phenomena in the ball-raceway contact zone. In addition, ideas for use of the beam elements to modeling bearing bolts were presented.