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@article{Kunzelmann:2023:10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2022.107449,
author = {Kunzelmann, B and Rycerz, P and Xu, Y and Arakere, NK and Kadiric, A},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2022.107449},
journal = {International Journal of Fatigue},
title = {Prediction of rolling contact fatigue crack propagation in bearing steels using experimental crack growth data and linear elastic fracture mechanics},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2022.107449},
volume = {168},
year = {2023}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) is a major life limiting factor for machine elements that employ non-conformal, rolling sliding, lubricated contacts such as rolling bearings and gears. This paper explores the application of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) principles, as commonly used in structural fatigue, for prediction of RCF crack propagation. A triple-disc contact fatigue machine is used to generate RCF cracks of varying lengths in AISI 52100 bearing steel roller specimens. Crack propagation rates across the surface are measured using optical inspection of test specimens and the final crack geometry is established through specimen sectioning. A numerical finite element model of surface breaking RCF cracks based on LEFM methods is devised to predict the evolution of stress intensity factors (SIFs) during over-rolling of the contact over the experimentally observed crack geometries. The model employs a suitable fracture mechanics mesh to resolve stresses at the crack tip and accounts for Hertzian contact stresses, contact friction and crack face friction. Potential effects of lubricant pressurisation within the crack are not modelled. The predicted SIFs are then related to the experimentally measured crack propagation rates to establish the applicability of the LEFM principles to RCF crack propagation. Results show that LEFM can be used to predict the growth of surface braking RCF cracks. For cracks longer than about 100 μm, a Paris law relationship with the stress intensity exponent of about 4 is derived. Mode II was seen to be the dominant mode of propagation for surface braking RCF cracks. Mode I SIFs are much smaller but can exhibit significant values when the contact is located just ahead of the crack mouth. Decreasing the crack face friction significantly increases mode II stress intensity suggesting that this is one important mechanism by which lubricant entry into the surface braking crack can accelerate its propagation. The findings can help in
AU - Kunzelmann,B
AU - Rycerz,P
AU - Xu,Y
AU - Arakere,NK
AU - Kadiric,A
DO - 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2022.107449
PY - 2023///
SN - 0142-1123
TI - Prediction of rolling contact fatigue crack propagation in bearing steels using experimental crack growth data and linear elastic fracture mechanics
T2 - International Journal of Fatigue
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2022.107449
UR - https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000991139400001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=a2bf6146997ec60c407a63945d4e92bb
UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142112322006995
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/112290
VL - 168
ER -