Microstructural Alterations in

Hertzian Fatigue

Robert Errichello, GEARTECH

Martensite Decay Under

Moderately High Hertzian

Stress

Classic Subsurface-Initiated

Macropitting

Subsurface Orthogonal Shear Stress, o

o
yo
zo

= 0.256po = maximum alternating orthogonal shear stress (basis of L-P theory)

= 0.85b = locations of o
= -0.50b = depth of o

2o = 0.512po = range of o
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Subsurface
Maximum Shear
Stress

Morphology of Classic Subsurface-Initiated Macropitting

F
D

A- Macropit entry (end first reached by roller)

B- Origin located at inclusions at depth of max orthogonal shear stress o
C- Typical near-radial branch cracks
D- Serration on crater bottom formed by change in crack direction
E- Macropit bottom consisting of series of cracks at depth of max shear stress 45
F- Macropit exit formed by crack rising in the rolling direction at 30

Ref: T.E. Tallian, Failure Atlas for Hertz Contact Machine Elements, ASME, 1999.
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Morphology of Butterflies

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Morphology of IrWEAs & WECs

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