To address the limitations and one-sidedness issues in unidimensional analysis of wind turbine three-row cylindrical roller bearing simulations under single-variable operating conditions, this study establishes a comprehensive rigid multibody contact dynamics simulation framework for spindle bearing systems under operational loading. A comparative analysis is conducted between models incorporating and omitting the transmission path considerations. Systematic investigations are performed on cage-roller kinematic behavior through theoretical velocity computations, simulated rotational dynamics, and acceleration response characterizations. The model is verified through rigorous verification procedures, enabling detailed examination of interfacial force characteristics between rolling elements and raceways in three-row cylindrical roller bearing configurations. Key findings demonstrate that transmission path integration significantly enhances simulation fidelity to actual service environments. Distinct load-bearing and non-load-bearing zones emerge in radial roller arrays, contrasting with the full-row load alternation pattern observed in thrust rollers. The contact force magnitude at the radial roller-inner race interface exceeds distal thrust roller interactions by 5.67 times, while distal thrust roller forces maintain approximately twice the magnitude of proximal counterparts. When the roller is in the non-load-bearing zone, its self-rotation speed gradually decreases, and the degree of decrease is directly proportional to the movement time in the non-load-bearing zone. The rotational speed and contact force of the thrust roller and thrust cage have the same alternating changes as the axial alternating load. The rotational speed of the radial cage is more stable. When the thrust roller is not under load, the corresponding thrust cage will be driven to rotate by the inner ring, and the rotational speed will increase.

rolling bearing  /  wind turbines  /  variable load  /  dynamic response  /  contact force  /  three rows of cylindrical roller bearings