Digital Repository, CP2006

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Numerical Modelling of Crack Path in the Contact Area of Gear Teeth Flanks
S. Glodež, G. Fajdiga, J. Flašker

Last modified: 2013-03-12

Abstract


A two-dimensional computational model for simulation of contact fatigueof gear teeth flanks is presented. In the model it is assumed that the initial crack oflength 0.015 mm is initiated at the surface due to previous mechanical or heat treatmentof the material as well as a consequence of the running in process. The discretisedmodel with the initial crack is then subjected to normal contact pressure, which takesinto account the EHD-lubrication conditions, and tangential loading due to frictionbetween contacting surfaces. The model considers also the moving contact of gearflanks, fluid trapped in the crack and residual stresses due to heat treatment of thematerial on crack propagation. The virtual crack extension method, implemented in thefinite element method, is then used for simulating the fatigue crack growth from theinitial crack up to the formation of the surface pit. The computational results show thatthe initial surface crack of length 15 μm and the considered boundary conditions leadto the appearance of very small surface pits, which can be termed as micro-pitting. Thenumerical results correspond well with available experimental data.

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