In-situ observation and finite element analysis of fretting fatigue crack propagation behavior in 1045 steel

In this paper fretting fatigue crack behavior in 1045 steel is studied by in-situ observation and finite element analysis. in-situ fretting fatigue experiments are conducted to capture real-time fretting fatigue crack formation and propagation process. The fretting fatigue tests under different load conditions are carried out, then the lifetime and fracture surface are obtained. The crack propagation rates under different loading conditions are measured by in-situ observations. With in-situ observation, crack initiation location and direction are analyzed. Finite element model is used to calculate J-integral which then is applied to fitting with experimental crack growth rate, and establishing crack growth rate model. From fitted S-N curve, it turns out that smaller load ratio leads to higher lifetime. Crack initiates slightly below the point equivalent to line contact of the contact surface in different test conditions, and crack direction shows no obvious relationship with load parameters. The established crack growth rate model well agrees with the test results.