A Finite Element Analysis of Crack Initiation and Propagation in a Notched Disk Submitted to Rolling Contact Fatigue

Abstract

A finite element model has been developed to predict crack initiation and propagation in a notched disk submitted to rolling contact fatigue. The aim of this study is to validate the model with experimental results obtained by tests carried out on a two-disk machine. First, a three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed. A unidimensional equivalent damage stress is calculated by applying a plastic criterion in an attempt to estimate the damage location and the time necessary to initiate cracks from the notches. Then a two-dimensional calculation based on linear fracture mechanics is conducted to determine mixed mode stress intensity factors at the tip of a crack initiated from the notch. Several crack growth criteria are used to evaluate crack growth direction and rate. Numerical results are in good agreement with experimental ones.