To determine if the development of a standardized contact rolling fatigue (CRF) bench test has the support of potential end-users, ASTM Subcommittee D02.L0.11 on Tribiological Properties of Industrial Fluid Lubricants is sponsoring a CRF group discussion on June 28, at 3:00 p.m., in Seattle, Wash., during the summer meeting of Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants.

Stakeholders who utilize bearings, gears, hydraulic fluids and lubricants in their industries are encouraged to attend, including representatives of the American Gear Manufacturers Association.

The results of CRF are easy to recognize because they most commonly produce visible surface failures such as pitting, spalling, or cracking. Many test methods, both national standards and proprietary, already exist to measure CRF. However, standardized bench tests that accurately verify the contribution of lubrication in controlling rolling contact wear remain open for debate. At last winter’s meeting of Committee D02 in Reno, Nev., Subcommittee D02.L0.11 sponsored a discussion on the potential of developing a standard bench test to verify the role of lubrication in controlling CRF.

Because pure rolling contact seldom exists in real-world applications, each test method is unique in applying rolling motion. An example of the complexity of a rolling contact application often taken for granted is rolling element bearings. They are subject to skidding, skewing and traction forces that induce varying degrees of sliding with compressive and tensile stresses combined with the rolling process. Another example is spur and helical gear sets where initial tooth contact occurs as a sliding action (rubbing wear) with compressive and tensile stresses. As the meshing approaches the pitch line, sliding is reduced and a rolling action takes place. At a point after the pitch line, sliding again occurs with tensile and compressive stresses, and continues until the teeth disengage.

At the winter meeting, the group concluded that a standardized method for verifying the role of lubrication in controlling CRF could significantly contribute to increased component service life and equipment reliability. It would have use with lubricants for a broad range of consumer, commercial and industrial hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electromechanical and process applications. It could also be used by component manufacturers to improve overall tribological systems.

Anyone interested in participating in the development process is encouraged to provide comments and guidance at this meeting. Contact (ASTM D02.L0.11 chairman) Mike Anderson, Falex Corporation, 1020 Airpark Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 (630/556-3669; fax: 630/556-3679). //

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