Fracture analysis on cage rivets of a cylindrical roller bearing

Some rivets used as cage linkers of a cylindrical roller bearing were fractured when an aero-engine was overhauled. Fractographic analysis, dimension re-inspection of the rivets, and metallographic analysis were performed to determine the failure cause and to offer preventive measures. The analytical results showed that the rivets fractured with a high cycle fatigue mode. The fatigue failure was mainly correlated with the fretting damage between the surface of the rivet bar and the wall of the mating hole. Based upon the rivet manufacturing and the installation process, improved measures were given to prevent such a failure.