A number of approaches exist for modeling the bearings in an assembly. The simplest approach is to use equivalent stiffness and damping constants for the bearings in the system model. In this case, dynamic characteristics of the bearings are obtained either by experiments or by simulations. These characteristics then can directly be used in a multibody system model. In the Multibody Dynamics interface, you can use an elastic hinge joint and provide the bearing stiffness as an input on the Joint Elasticity node to model the bearings using this approach.

A Radial Roller Bearing node can be added in the Multibody Dynamics interface when you have a license also for the Rotordynamics Module. You select boundaries in the multibody system where the inner race of the bearing is connected. The following bearing types are available:

Modeling of hydrodynamic bearings in multibody requires a coupling to the Hydrodynamic Bearing interface in the Rotordynamics Module. When both a Multibody Dynamics interface and a Hydrodynamic Bearing interface are present in the model, a multiphysics coupling named Solid–Bearing Coupling can be added under the Multiphysics node in the Model Builder. Use this feature to combine the multibody and fluid-film simulations. Add a Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing node in the Hydrodynamic Bearing interface to simulate different types of Journal Bearings. The following bearing types are available:

You can also model a floating ring journal bearing using the Floating Ring Bearing node in the Hydrodynamic Bearing interface.