Debris Damage in Rolling Bearings and Its Effects on Fatigue Life

Abstract

Predictions of fatigue life from debris indented roller bearings are calculated by the methods described by Webster, Ioannides, and Sayles [9] and presented as a comparison to the actual fatigue history of the bearings. Research is also presented on the influence of debris type and geometry in relation to the formation of dents within nonconforming contacts. In particular, the concept of elastic conformity around entrained debris is studied in detail and it is shown that a critical debris aspect ratio may well exist which defines a boundary between debris that can damage the contact surfaces, and that which cannot.