A New Statistical Model of Contact Fatigue

A detailed derivation of a new statistical model of contact fatigue life followed by its qualitative and quantitative analysis are presented. The model is based on contact and fracture mechanics and statistical treatment of the initial distribution of material defect. The model assumptions and their validation as well as the model properties are discussed. A parametric study of the model is performed. A generalization of the model for the case of stochastic residual stress or other contact parameters is proposed. Some analytical formulas for calculation of contact fatigue are proposed and analyzed. The validation of the model and its applicability to calculation of bearing fatigue life and some particular data are considered. A reflection of the quality of bearing manufacturing process on the contact fatigue model is discussed.