Load ratings and fatigue life prediction of rolling bearings is based on the Lundberg-Palmgren theory first published in Sweden in 1947. The basic equation of this theory includes the stressed volume of material in the bearing raceway subsurfaces as a major parameter. This volume of material is simplistically determined to have a nearly rectangular subsurface cross-sectional area bounded by the length of the maximum contact area ellipse and the depth at which the maximum failure-causing stress occurs. The latter stress is assumed to be effective over this area. In fact, a distribution of stress occurs, and in this investigation it is demonstrated that the subsurface volume with a potential for fatigue cracking is substantially different from that used by Lundberg and Palmgren. This difference in volume, particularly in the presence of surface shear stresses, can have a profound effect on the method and prediction of bearing fatigue lives.
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January 1999
Research Papers
Lundberg-Palmgren Fatigue Theory: Considerations of Failure Stress and Stressed Volume
T. A. Harris,
T. A. Harris
Mechanical Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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Wei Kuei Yu
Wei Kuei Yu
Mechanical Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
Search for other works by this author on:
T. A. Harris
Mechanical Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
Wei Kuei Yu
Mechanical Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
J. Tribol. Jan 1999, 121(1): 85-89 (5 pages)
Published Online: January 1, 1999
Article history
Received:
May 13, 1997
Revised:
October 9, 1997
Online:
January 24, 2008
Citation
Harris, T. A., and Yu, W. K. (January 1, 1999). "Lundberg-Palmgren Fatigue Theory: Considerations of Failure Stress and Stressed Volume." ASME. J. Tribol. January 1999; 121(1): 85–89. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2833815
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