Fatigue life reduction of roller bearings due to debris denting: Part I - Theoretical modeling

Stress concentration due to debris denting in EHL contacts has been analyze d. Quantitative relationships between the geometry of surface indentation, contact load and the maximum stress and its location have been established. Based on these relationships and the Weibull weakest-link theory, a fatigu e life reduction model is proposed. Parametric study shows that life reduct ion is primarily determined by dent slope and life reduction factor decreas es as dent slope increases. Indentation area-density is another major facto r that affects contact fatigue life. Life reduction factor decreases as den t area-density increases. Life reduction is also affected by contact toad. While fatigue life decreases with increasing load, life reduction factor in creases as load increases.