Abstract: Nonlinear dynamics of a single surface defect in rolling bearing systems is complex and hard to describe by using analytical methods. Based on inducing the number of laden rollers in the operation process of rolling bearings, subsection functions and fault impinging functions are built for describing whether the defect in different parts is in the laden area or not and the impact force produced by the defect is strong or weak in the operation process of rolling bearing systems. Then a series of nonlinear dynamic equations are proposed for describing nonlinear dynamics of a single surface defect in rolling bearing systems. These nonlinear dynamic equations are introduced into ADAMS software for dynamic simulation, the result of the simulation is compared with vibration signals which are measured from real failure rolling bearings by BTV-1A. It shows that these nonlinear dynamic equations can describe the dynamic characteristics of a single surface defect in rolling bearing systems properly.

Key words: Dynamic characteristics, Nonlinear dynamic equations, Rolling bearing, Single surface defect