Effect of shot peening on rolling contact fatigue and lubricant film thickness within mixed lubricated non-conformal rolling/sliding contacts

► Effect of shot peening on RCF and lubricant film thickness was observed. ► Shot peening process itself provides no positive effect on RCF. ► Shot peening followed by polishing creates micro-cavities acting as lubricant micro-reservoirs. ► Shallow micro-cavities increase film thickness and reduce asperities interactions.