Numerical simulation and experimental comparison of flaw evolution on a bearing raceway: Case of thrust ball bearing

- The experimental apparatus and damaged thrust ball bearing are described.
- We model a portion of the thrust ball bearing featuring a spherical indent.
- Numerical results in terms of stress field are compared to analytical results from the literature.
- A fatigue software is used to assess the evolution of spalling size.
- Good agreement is obtained between experimental test campaigns at different loads and FEA results.