CRACK PROPAGATION AND FRACTURE IN CONTACTING BODIES

When a body subject to contact loads develops a crack, the origin, orientation, and tendency to propagate or not depend on fabrication details and maintenance history as well as the service environment. Research over the past twenty years has led to better characterization of crack behavior in some contacting bodies (railroad rail and wheels). Computational methods in solid mechanics provide the basis for quantitative results, but true understanding also requires application of materials science principles. The two disciplines are being brought to bear in combination; quantitative assessments of potential manufacturing improvements and prediction of effects on performance in service are now within reach.