Finite element analysis on rolling contact fatigue of surface nanostructured steel (Effect of friction coefficient on mean shear stress under cyclic loading)

This study provides a theoretical investigation on shear stress distribution inside a steel roller with a nanostructured surface, manufactured by the severe plastic deformation and induction heating processes, under a rolling contact fatigue testing, mainly focusing the effect of friction coefficient on a shear stress range and mean stress. By using the finite element method, the stress profiles were estimated at several depths from the roller surface, and it was observed at all the depths considered that the reduction in the friction between two sliding rollers can reduce the mean shear stress which probably affects the fatigue life under the rolling contact. This result may support the hypothesis that the friction reduction induced by grain refinement prolongs the rolling-contact fatigue life of the steel material.