Experimental and numerical fretting fatigue using a new test fixture

A unique dovetail-based test fixture for fretting fatigue was designed and is demonstrated with a combined experimental and numerical campaign. Fretting fatigue damage is analysed and correlated with numerical analyses using a modern Ruiz formulation and Findley critical plane parameter with the Theory of Critical Distances. Initial test results show that a simple critical plane model correlates life and cracking directions with experiments; however, the Ruiz parameter only serves as a hot-spot indicator. The fixture is designed to permit testing in submerged conditions and to allow additional loads to the specimens by using a multi-axial fatigue machine.