Fretting damage in thin sheets: Analysis of an experimental configuration

A method for evaluating fretting damage in thin sheets was developed for AISI 301 stainless steel in full hard condition in contact with AISI 52100 steel and cast ANSI A356 aluminum. Samples were subjected to fretting and then were subsequently fatigue tested to determine the impact of the fretting damage on fatigue life. A finite element model of the experimental configuration was used to determine the response for the experimental conditions imposed. The values of Fatemi–Socie critical-plane fatigue damage parameter are shown to correspond to the trends in the observed residual fatigue life for contact with AISI 52100 steel.

Research Highlights
► Fretting experiments on thin sheets of AISI 301 austenitic stainless steel.
► Finite element modeling of experimental configuration.
► Evaluation of Fatemi–Socie and Smith–Watson–Topper fatigue damage parameters.
► Fatemi–Socie parameter identifies fatigue damage well in low wear cases.
► Transfer of aluminum to the specimen greatly affects the level of fatigue damage.