Lambert, R. J.Pollard, AndrewStone, B. J.2008-06-062008-06-062006Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part K: Journal of Multi-Body Dynamics, 220(3): 171-1791464-419310.1243/1464419JMBD13http://hdl.handle.net/2436/29610The Machine Tool Industry Research Association was well aware of the significance of rolling-element bearings in modern machinery when it funded confidential research into rolling-element bearings stiffness and damping characteristics under working and oscillating conditions, and the effects of rolling contacts and bearing fitment joints. The Machine Tool Industry Research Association recently gave permission for this work to be published in open literature.Some stiffness and damping characteristics are presented for taper-roller bearings with interference fits. The major parameters investigated were preload, temperature, lubricant viscosity, excitation frequency, excitation amplitude, and rotational speed. The prediction, based on a model of the bearings, that stiffness and damping would effectively be independent of oil viscosity was confirmed.enRolling-element bearingsEngineering technologyBearing fitment jointsRolling contactsVibration analysisBearingsStiffnessDampingBearing fitment jointsMechanical propertiesJournal articleProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part K: Journal of Multi-Body Dynamics