Structural Engineering and Mechanics
Volume 94, Number 3, 2025, pages 231-238
DOI: 10.12989/sem.2025.94.3.231
Numerical analysis of crack nucleation in contact mechanics under fretting wear loading
Abdelghani Baltach, Ali Benhamena, Mohamed Ikhlef Chaouch, Mohammed El-Sallah Zagane, Murat Yaylaci, Şevval Öztürk, Mehmet Emin Özdemir and Ecren Uzun Yaylaci
Abstract
This study examines how contact pressure and shear stress act on contact areas subjected to fretting loading. The
research utilizes a non-linear finite element method, which calculates both normal and shear stresses, to assess the fracture behavior of flat surfaces. The study particularly emphasizes the influence of shear forces on the distribution of these stresses. A multiaxial fatigue criterion is used to identify potential crack initiation points within the contact zone. The critical point for crack initiation along the contact line is determined by evaluating the maximum values of hydrostatic and deviatoric stresses. The size
of the regions experiencing sticking and slipping behavior is directly related to the levels of contact pressure and shear force. Importantly, the study found a strong agreement between the finite element method simulations and the analytical results.
Key Words
contact mechanics; crack nucleation; finite element analysis; fretting; friction
Address
Abdelghani Baltach: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibn Khaldoun, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Quantum Physics of Matter and Mathematical Modeling (LPQ3M), University Mostapha Stambouli-Mascara, 29000, Mascara, Algeria
Ali Benhamena: Laboratory of Quantum Physics of Matter and Mathematical Modeling (LPQ3M), University Mostapha Stambouli-Mascara, 29000, Mascara, Algeria
Mohamed Ikhlef Chaouch: Laboratory of Quantum Physics of Matter and Mathematical Modeling (LPQ3M), University Mostapha Stambouli-Mascara, 29000, Mascara, Algeria
Mohammed El-Sallah Zagane: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibn Khaldoun, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of Quantum Physics of Matter and Mathematical Modeling (LPQ3M), University Mostapha Stambouli-Mascara, 29000, Mascara, Algeria
Murat Yaylaci: Department of Civil Engineering, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey; Turgut Kiran Maritime Faculty, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53900, Rize, Turkey
Şevval Öztürk: Department of Civil Engineering, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
Mehmet Emin Özdemir: Department of Civil Engineering, Cankiri Karatekin University, 18100, Çankiri, Turkey
Ecren Uzun Yaylaci: Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey