Abstract:

ESDU 94034 introduces a computer program (ESDUpac A9434) to calculate stresses in point contacts that occur in rolling element bearings, gears, cams and other engineering components. Both normal and combined normal and tangential loading are allowed. Contact dimensions, orientation and gross deflection (normal closure) are calculated from specified radii and other properties of the contacting bodies. The surface velocities can also be specified and the program determines the directions of sliding and contact motion, although those directions and the contact dimensions can be input directly if already known. The maximum stress values and their locations are determined for use in criteria for brittle failure or failure due to yield or fatigue. Also stress distributions may be output over any plane or along any line through the volume of the components affected or around the perimeter of the contact area. Sets of worked examples illustrate the use of the program when the contact dimensions are known and in the more practical case when those dimensions and the directions of any friction or contact motion are unknown. The input to and the output from the program are explained.