Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Ceramic materials have been increasingly used in bearing technology for over a dozen years. This is due to the characteristic properties of ceramic materials such as: high hardness, corrosion resistance, the possibility of use in aggressive chemical environments, as well as due to the lower specific weight compared to steel materials. However, the use of ceramic materials is connected with many limitations. The main disadvantages are surface cracks and low fracture toughness value. The paper presents a numerical analysis of crack propagation in silicon nitride balls. The directions of propagation were analyzed for the cracks that are most commonly found on the surface of the ceramic balls. The directions were analyzed along crack front and due to the location of the crack in relation to the contact point of the balls in the rolling contact. The numerical calculations are based on a three-dimensional model of the ring crack. Numerical calculations were carried out using boundary element method. Numerical solutions were compared with the results of experimental research.

Authors

• dr hab. inż. Waldemar Karaszewski link open in new tab