Finite element analysis of the effects of load amplitude and phase on crack initiation location in fretting fatigue

Abstract

Fretting fatigue is a major form of fretting damage affected by various factors. In this paper, the Ruiz parameter is used to predict the variation in the initiation location of the fretting fatigue crack with the amplitude of load, providing a reference for the study of the initiation characteristics of fretting fatigue cracks. The influence of the phase difference between loads is also considered. Three numerical models are established using ABAQUS for simulation experiments. Four phase difference angles are involved, i.e. 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°. Results indicate that for 0° phase difference, the maximum of initiation parameter K is always observed at the trailing edge of the contact zone (near the loading side of the strain load) with the increase of load amplitude, such that the fretting fatigue crack initiates at the trailing edge. However, for 90°, 180°, and 270° phase differences, the maximum of initiation parameter K shifts from one edge of the contact to the other with the increase of load amplitude. In addition, it is observed that the maximum and minimum initiation parameter K values are obtained for 0° and 180° phase differences, respectively, while the values of K for 90° and 270° phase differences are approximately equal and between those for 0° and 180°.