A Method of Detecting Rolling Contact Crack Initiation and the Establishment of Crack Propagation Curves

Abstract

The paper describes a new method for observing rolling contact cyclic crack growth from initiation to spalling. The dA/dN vs crack length curves can be measured. Several new parameters: the incubation period, the stable propagation period, the unstable (rapid) propagation period, the total life and their growth rates can be derived from these curves. These parameters are expected to be useful for analyzing rolling contact failure mechanics, and can be used to characterize rolling contact behavior of different materials and microstructures.