Computational approach to contact fatigue damage initiation analysis of gear teeth flanks

The paper describes a general computational model for the simulation of contact fatigue- damage initiation in the contact area of meshing gears. The model considers the continuum mechanics approach, where the use of homogenous and elastic material is assumed. The stress field in the contact area and the relationship between the cyclic contact loading conditions and observed contact points on the tooth flank are simulated with moving Hertzian contact pressure in the framework of the finite element method analysis. An equivalent model of Hertzian contact between two cylinders is used for evaluating contact conditions at the major point of contact of meshing gears. For the purpose of fatigue- damage analysis, the model, which is used for prediction of the number of loading cycles required for initial fatigue damage to appear, is based on the Coffin- Manson relationship between deformations and loading cycles. On the basis of computational results, and with consideration of some particular geometrical and material parameters, the initiation life of contacting spur gears in regard to contact fatigue damage can be estimated.