Characterization of cracks formed in large flat-on-flat fretting contact

Abstract

Fretting fatigue may lead to severe damage in machines. Adhesive material transfer spots in millimeter scale have previously been observed on fretted surfaces, which have been related to cracking. In this study, fretting-induced cracks formed in a large annular flat-on-flat contact are characterized. Optical and scanning electron microscopy of the fretting scar cross-section samples of self-mated quenched and tempered steel specimens revealed severe cracking and deformed microstructure. Two major cracks typically formed around an adhesion spot, which propagated at an oblique angle, regardless of the test parameters used. Millimeter-scale cracks were observed already within a few thousand loading cycles.