Analysis of Ceramic Elements with Ring-Crack Defects in Lubricated Rolling Contact

Abstract

The properties of ceramics, specifically low density, high hardness, high temperature capability and low coefficient of thermal expansion are of most interest to rolling element manufacturers. Surface ring cracks on lubricating rolling contact fatigue failure has been studied using numerical fracture analysis. Such cracks are very often found on ceramic bearing balls and decrease fatigue life rapidly. The numerical calculations are based on a three-dimensional model of the ring crack. The stress intensity factors along crack front are analyzed using a finite element analysis. The numerical analysis is verified by experimental studies.