Rights statement: This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in International Journal of Fatigue. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in International Journal of Fatigue, 129, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2018.11.011
Accepted author manuscript, 7.79 MB, PDF document
Available under license: CC BY-NC-ND
Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
| Article number | 104899 |
|---|---|
| <mark>Journal publication date</mark> | 1/12/2019 |
| <mark>Journal</mark> | International Journal of Fatigue |
| Volume | 129 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Publication Status | Published |
| Early online date | 10/11/18 |
| <mark>Original language</mark> | English |
A processing-microstructure-performance approach is followed to study three bearing steel samples manufactured from the most frequently used continuous casting routes. The inclusion microstructures of the samples were altered by varying the metallurgy and hot working conditions. Inclusion size distribution information is obtained, showing the steel-making route that results in the highest cleanliness. 3D analysis of inclusion morphologies using electrolytic extraction indicates the irregularities on the surface to be favourable sites for crack nucleation under RCF. Flat-washer and ball-on-rod tests were conducted to study the rolling contact fatigue life of the steels, with the results from the flat-washer testing method being more representative for bearing life. This research suggests that early fatigue of bearings is governed by silicate fragmentation and late fatigue by TiN inclusions.