A thermodynamic approach for predicting fretting fatigue life

This paper extends the application of the theory of continuum damage mechanics (CDM) to predict the occurrence of fretting fatigue failure. It is concerned with the application of thermodynamic theory of CDM for predicting crack formation in fretting. This is done by calculating subsurface shear stress distribution due to fretting loading conditions and obtaining corresponding principal plane location. For given fretting conditions such as the load, the coefficient of friction and the bulk material properties, the present model predicts the number of cycles to failure. The results are validated with published experimental data.