This manuscript presents an innovative methodology for the assessment of the friction torque of ball slewing bearings. The methodology aims to overcome the limitations of state-of-the-art approaches, especially when the friction torque is conditioned by the preload of the balls. To this end, the authors propose to simulate the preload scatter when solving the load distribution problem, prior to the friction torque calculation. This preload scatter allows to simulate a progressive transition of the balls from a four-point contact state to a two-point contact one. By implementing this capability into an analytical model, the authors achieve a successful correlation with experimental results. Nonetheless, depending on the stiffness of the structures to which the bearing is assembled, it is demonstrated that the rigid ring assumption can lead to inaccurate friction torque results when a tilting moment is applied. The methodology described in this research work is meant to have a practical application. Therefore, the manuscript provides guidelines about how to use and tune the analytical model to get a reliable friction torque prediction tool.

本手稿提出了一种评估滚珠回转轴承摩擦扭矩的创新方法。该方法旨在克服最先进方法的局限性，特别是当摩擦扭矩由球的预紧力调节时。为此，作者建议在计算摩擦扭矩之前，在解决载荷分配问题时模拟预载分散。这种预载分散允许模拟球从四点接触状态到两点接触状态的渐进过渡。通过将这种功能应用到分析模型中，作者成功地实现了与实验结果的关联。尽管如此，根据轴承组装结构的刚度，事实证明，当施加倾斜力矩时，刚性环假设可能会导致不准确的摩擦扭矩结果。本研究工作中描述的方法旨在具有实际应用。因此，该手稿提供了有关如何使用和调整分析模型以获得可靠的摩擦扭矩预测工具的指南。