Computational lifetime prediction of hydrogen influenced lubricated rolling contact components –CoLifeHy–

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Dominik Kürten
• Subject Area: Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials and their Microstructural Origins ; Engineering Design, Machine Elements, Product Development
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450828000

Steel rolling elements in bearings undergo hydrogen-assisted rolling contact fatigue (HARCF), which is a serious problem with drastic economic implications. Such bearings are used in numerous applications including wind turbines. The aim of this proposed project is to achieve quantitative lifetime predictions of bearing components undergoing HARCF damage. This will be achieved through the development of numerical simulation models based on reliable experimental analyses.Hydrogen diffusion in bearing steel is a multifaceted problem that depends on the material behavior and material handling and surface conditioning processes. The simulations planned in this project should be able to model stress-assisted hydrogen diffusion as function of hydrogen content and its effect on the mechanical response of steel, hydrogen trap density and internal stresses in the material. For this reason a comprehensive experimental program was designed to help complement the numerical simulation model. To achieve quantitative lifetime predictions, full-bearing rolling contact fatigue tests on hydrogen gas pre-charged samples will be conducted. The hydrogen content in the samples will be accurately determined through charging curves. The methods applied and developed throughout this project will enable transfer of knowledge to other applications and systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants