The influence of ring crack location on the rolling contact fatigue failure of lubricated silicon nitride: fracture mechanics analysis

The influence of ring crack location within the contact path on rolling con tact fatigue failure has been studied using numerical fracture analysis. Th e numerical calculations are based on a three-dimensional model for the rin g crack propagation. The ring crack is considered as a conic shape with a c urved line as the crack front. The rolling contact loading is simulated by repeated Hertzian point contact load with normal pressure and tangential tr action. Fracture mechanics analysis is utilised to determine the stress int ensity factors (SIFs) along the crack front and the SIFs are analysed using a three-dimensional boundary element model. The analytical results are ver ified by experimental studies, which show that present predictions of ring crack location influence are consistent with the experimental observations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.