Prediction of the propagation of an internal crack under rolling contact loads by a weight function approach

The problem of crack propagation of internal cracks under contact loading is dealt with. An approach based on the Weight Function method was developed for the determination of K-I and K-II. The effect of the contact and of friction between the crack faces was taken into consideration by using approximate relations. The results were compared with the ones obtained by finite element analyses and the agreement was found satisfactory, both without and with the contact between the crack faces. As possible application of the approach, the case of an automotive gear is dealt with.