Boundary element analysis of surface initiated rolling contact fatigue cracks in wheel/rail contact systems

This study performed the boundary element analysis of the cycle of stress intensity factors at the surface initiated rolling contact fatigue crack tip under Hertzian contact stress including an accurate model of friction between the faces of the crack and the effect of fluid inside the crack. A two-dimensional model of a rolling contact fatigue crack has been developed. The model includes the effect of Coulomb friction between the faces of the crack. The fluid in the crack was assumed not only to lubricate the crack faces and reduce the crack face friction coefficient but also to generate a pressure. The obtained results are compared with those of other researchers showing good consistency.