THE COMPLEX ROLES OF FRICTION AND SURFACE ROUGHNESS ON FRETTING FATIGUE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Fretting fatigue is a critical failure mechanism in components subjected to cyclic loading and small-amplitude relative motion at contact interfaces. Among the numerous variables influencing fretting fatigue behavior, surface roughness plays a particularly complex role. While traditionally regarded as detrimental in plain fatigue due to its association with stress concentrations, surface roughness can have both beneficial and adverse effects in fretting fatigue. This study presents a comprehensive review of experimental findings concerning the influence of surface roughness on fretting fatigue life and strength. Particular attention is given to the interaction between roughness, contact pressure, slip regime, and coefficient of friction. The effects of different surface preparation methods, such as shot peening, polishing, laser surface texturing, and machining are examined in relation to crack initiation, wear mechanisms, and residual stress states. The review highlights that increased surface roughness may reduce fatigue strength in some cases, but can also improve fretting fatigue resistance by redistributing contact stresses or facilitating wear debris management. The findings underscore the dual role of surface roughness and emphasize the need for optimized surface topographies tailored to specific fretting conditions.

Publication Title

ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition Proceedings Imece

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