White etching cracks (WEC), or white structure flaking or brittle flaking, is a type of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) damage that can occur in bearing steels under certain conditions, such as hydrogen embrittlement, high stress, inadequate lubrication, and high temperature. WEC is characterised by the presence of white areas of microstructural alteration in the material, which can lead to the formation of small cracks that can grow and propagate over time, eventually leading to premature failure of the bearing. WEC has been observed in a variety of applications, including wind turbine gearboxes, automotive engines, and other heavy machinery. The exact mechanism of WEC formation is still a subject of research, but it is believed to be related to a combination of microstructural changes, such as phase transformations and grain boundary degradation, and cyclic loading.
White etching cracks (WECs), first reported in 1996, [2] are cracks that can form in the microstructure of bearing steel, leading to the development of a network of branched white cracks. [3] They are usually observed in bearings that have failed due to rolling contact fatigue or accelerated rolling contact fatigue. [4] These cracks can significantly shorten the reliability and operating life of bearings, both in the wind power industry and in several industrial applications. [5] [6]
The exact cause of WECs and their significance in rolling bearing failures have been the subject of much research and discussion. [8] [6] Ultimately, the formation of WECs appears to be influenced by a complex interplay between material, mechanical, and chemical factors, [3] including hydrogen embrittlement, high stresses from sliding contact, inclusions, [9] electrical currents, [10] and temperature. They all also have all been identified as potential drivers of WECs. [11]
One of the most commonly quoted potential causes of WECs is hydrogen embrittlement caused by an unstable equilibrium between material, mechanical, and chemical aspects, [3] which occurs when hydrogen atoms diffuse into the bearing steel, causing micro-cracks to form. [8] Hydrogen can come from a variety of sources, including the hydrocarbon lubricant or water contamination, and it is often used in laboratory tests to reproduce WECs. [12] Mechanisms behind the generation of hydrogen from lubricants was attributed to three primary factors contributing: decomposition of lubricants through catalytic reactions with a fresh metal surface, breakage of molecular chains within the lubricant due to shear on the sliding surface, and thermal decomposition of lubricants caused by heat generation during sliding. [13] Hydrogen generation is influenced by lubricity, wear width, and the catalytic reaction of a fresh metal surface. [13]
Stresses higher than anticipated can also accelerate rolling contact fatigue, which is a known precursor to WECs. [4] WECs commence at subsurface during the initial phases of their formation, [14] particularly at non-metallic inclusions. As the sliding contact period extended, these cracks extended from the subsurface region to the contact surface, ultimately leading to flaking. Furthermore, there was an observable rise in the extent of microstructural modifications near the cracks, suggesting that the presence of the crack is a precursor to these alterations. [15] [12]
The direction of sliding on the bearing surface played a significant role in WEC formation. When the traction force opposed the direction of over-rolling (referred to as negative sliding), it consistently led to the development of WECs. Conversely, when the traction force aligned with the over-rolling direction (positive sliding), WECs did not manifest. The magnitude of sliding exerted a dominant influence on WEC formation. Tests conducted at a sliding-to-rolling ratio (SRR) of -30% consistently resulted in the generation of WECs, while no WECs were observed in tests at -5% SRR. Furthermore, the number of WECs appeared to correlate with variations in contact severity, including changes in surface roughness, rolling speed, and lubricant temperature. [16]
One of the primary causes of WECs is the passage of electrical current through the bearings. Both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) can lead to the formation of WECs, albeit through slightly different mechanisms. In general, hydrogen generation from lubricants can be accelerated by electric current, potentially accelerating WEC formation. [17] Under certain conditions, when the current densities are low (less than 1 mA/mm2), electrical discharges can significantly shorten the lifespan of bearings by causing WECs. These WECs can develop in under 50 hours due to electrical discharges. Electrostatic sensors prove to be useful in detecting these critical discharges early on, which are associated with failures induced by WECs. [18] The analysis revealed that different reaction layers form in the examined areas, depending on the electrical polarity. [10]
In the case of AC, the rapid change in polarity involves the creation of a plasma channel through the lubricant film in the bearing, leading to a momentary, intense discharge of energy. The localised heating and rapid cooling associated with these discharges can cause changes in the microstructure of the steel, leading to the formation of WEAs and WECs. [19]
On the other hand, DC can cause a steady flow of electrons through the bearing. This can lead to the electrochemical dissolution of the metal, a process known as fretting corrosion. The constant flow of current can also cause local heating, leading to thermal gradients within the bearing material. These gradients can cause stresses that lead to the formation of WECs. [19]
WECs are sub-surface white cracks networks within local microstructural changes that are characterised by a changed microstructure known as white etching area (WEA). [3] The term "white etching" refers to the white appearance of the altered microstructure of a polished and etched steel sample in the affected areas. [20] The WEA is formed by amorphisation (phase transformation) of the martensitic microstructure due to friction at the crack faces during over-rolling, [21] and these areas appear white under an optical microscope due to their low-etching response to the etchant. [22] [23] [24] The microstructure of WECs consists of ultra-fine, nano-crystalline, carbide-free ferrite, or ferrite with a very fine distribution of carbide particles that exhibits a high degree of crystallographic misorientation. [25] [26]
WEC propagation is mostly transgranular [27] and does not follow a certain cleavage plane. [28]
Researchers observed three distinct types of microstructural alterations near the generated cracks: uniform white etching areas (WEAs), thin elongated regions of dark etching areas (DEA), and mixed regions comprising both light and dark etching areas with some misshaped carbides. [16] During repeated stress cycles, the position of the crack constantly shifts, leaving behind an area of intense plastic deformation composed of ferritic, martensite, austenite (due to austenitization) and carbides. nano-grains, i.e., WEAs. [29] [26] The microscopic displacement of the crack plane in a single stress cycle accumulates to form micron-sized WEAs during repeated stress cycles. After the initial development of a fatigue crack around inclusions, the faces of the crack rub against each other during cycles of compressive stress. This results in the creation of WEAs through localised intense plastic deformation. It also causes partial bonding of the opposing crack faces and material transfer between them. Consequently, the WEC reopens at a slightly different location compared to its previous position during the release of stress. [30]
Furthermore, it has been acknowledged that WEA is one of the phases that arise from different processes and is generally observed as a result of a phase transformation in rolling contact fatigue. [26] WEA is harder than the matrix and . [29] Additionally, WECs are caused by stresses higher than anticipated and occur due to bearing rolling contact fatigue as well as accelerated rolling contact fatigue. [4]
WECs in bearings are accompanied with a white etching matter (WEM). WEM forms asymmetrically along WECs. There is no significant microstructural differences between the untransformed material adjacent to cracking and the parent material although WEM exhibits variable carbon content and increased hardness compared to the parent material. A study in 2019 suggests that WEM may initiate ahead of the crack, challenging the conventional crack-rubbing mechanism. [31]
Triple disc rolling contact fatigue (RCF) Rig is a specialised testing apparatus used in the field of tribology and materials science to evaluate the fatigue resistance and durability of materials subjected to rolling contact. [32] This rig is designed for simulating the conditions encountered in various mechanical systems, such as rolling bearings, gears, and other components exposed to repeated rolling and sliding motions. The rig typically consists of three discs or rollers arranged in a specific configuration. [33] These discs can represent the interacting components of interest, such as a rolling bearing. The rig also allows precise control over the loading conditions, including the magnitude of the load, contact pressure, and contact geometry. [15] [8]
PCS Instruments Micro-pitting Rig (MPR) is a specialised testing instrument used in the field of tribology and mechanical engineering to study micro-pitting, a type of surface damage that occurs in lubricated rolling and sliding contact systems. The MPR is designed to simulate real-world operating conditions by subjecting test specimens, often gears or rolling bearings, to controlled rolling and sliding contact under lubricated conditions. [16]
Offshore wind turbines are subject to challenging environmental conditions, including corrosive saltwater, high wind forces, and potential electrical currents. These conditions can contribute to bearing failures and impact the reliability and maintenance of wind turbines. [6] [11] Several factors that can lead to bearing failures, such as corrosion, fatigue, wear, improper lubrication, high electric currents, and the need for improved materials and designs to ensure the longevity and performance of bearings in offshore wind turbines. [34] [35] [36] WECs negatively affects the reliability of bearings, not only in the wind industry but also in various other industrial applications such as electric motors, paper machines, industrial gearboxes, pumps, ship propulsion systems, and the automotive sector. [37] [38] 60% of wind turbines failures are liked to WEC. [39]
In October 2018, a workshop on WECs was organised in Düsseldorf by a junior research group funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Representatives from academia and industry gathered to discuss the mechanisms behind WEC formation in wind turbines, focusing on the fundamental material processes causing this phenomenon. [40]
A lubricant is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, transporting foreign particles, or heating or cooling the surfaces. The property of reducing friction is known as lubricity.
A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that uses balls to maintain the separation between the bearing races.
Fluid bearings are bearings in which the load is supported by a thin layer of rapidly moving pressurized liquid or gas between the bearing surfaces. Since there is no contact between the moving parts, there is no sliding friction, allowing fluid bearings to have lower friction, wear and vibration than many other types of bearings. Thus, it is possible for some fluid bearings to have near-zero wear if operated correctly.
A bearing is a machine element that constrains relative motion to only the desired motion and reduces friction between moving parts. The design of the bearing may, for example, provide for free linear movement of the moving part or for free rotation around a fixed axis; or, it may prevent a motion by controlling the vectors of normal forces that bear on the moving parts. Most bearings facilitate the desired motion by minimizing friction. Bearings are classified broadly according to the type of operation, the motions allowed, or the directions of the loads (forces) applied to the parts.
Lubrication is the process or technique of using a lubricant to reduce friction and wear and tear in a contact between two surfaces. The study of lubrication is a discipline in the field of tribology.
In materials science, fatigue is the initiation and propagation of cracks in a material due to cyclic loading. Once a fatigue crack has initiated, it grows a small amount with each loading cycle, typically producing striations on some parts of the fracture surface. The crack will continue to grow until it reaches a critical size, which occurs when the stress intensity factor of the crack exceeds the fracture toughness of the material, producing rapid propagation and typically complete fracture of the structure.
Wear is the damaging, gradual removal or deformation of material at solid surfaces. Causes of wear can be mechanical or chemical. The study of wear and related processes is referred to as tribology.
Tribology is the science and engineering of understanding friction, lubrication and wear phenomena for interacting surfaces in relative motion. It is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on many academic fields, including physics, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, biology and engineering. The fundamental objects of study in tribology are tribosystems, which are physical systems of contacting surfaces. Subfields of tribology include biotribology, nanotribology and space tribology. It is also related to other areas such as the coupling of corrosion and tribology in tribocorrosion and the contact mechanics of how surfaces in contact deform. Approximately 20% of the total energy expenditure of the world is due to the impact of friction and wear in the transportation, manufacturing, power generation, and residential sectors.
A plain bearing, or more commonly sliding contact bearing and slide bearing, is the simplest type of bearing, comprising just a bearing surface and no rolling elements. Therefore, the part of the shaft in contact with the bearing slides over the bearing surface. The simplest example of a plain bearing is a shaft rotating in a hole. A simple linear bearing can be a pair of flat surfaces designed to allow motion; e.g., a drawer and the slides it rests on or the ways on the bed of a lathe.
In mechanical engineering, a rolling-element bearing, also known as a rolling bearing, is a bearing which carries a load by placing rolling elements between two concentric, grooved rings called races. The relative motion of the races causes the rolling elements to roll with very little rolling resistance and with little sliding.
False brinelling is a bearing damage caused by fretting, with or without corrosion, that causes imprints that look similar to brinelling, but are caused by a different mechanism. False brinelling may occur in bearings which act under small oscillations or vibrations.
Fretting refers to wear and sometimes corrosion damage of loaded surfaces in contact while they encounter small oscillatory movements tangential to the surface. Fretting is caused by adhesion of contact surface asperities, which are subsequently broken again by the small movement. This breaking causes wear debris to be formed.
Dry lubricants or solid lubricants are materials that, despite being in the solid phase, are able to reduce friction between two surfaces sliding against each other without the need for a liquid oil medium.
In materials science ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a subgroup of composite materials and a subgroup of ceramics. They consist of ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. The fibers and the matrix both can consist of any ceramic material, including carbon and carbon fibers.
Spiral groove bearings are self-acting, or hydrodynamic bearings used to reduce friction and wear without the use of pressurized lubricants. They have this ability due to special patterns of grooves. Spiral groove bearings are self-acting because their own rotation builds up the pressure needed to separate the bearing surfaces. For this reason, they are also contactless bearings.
In fluid mechanics, the Reynolds equation is a partial differential equation governing the pressure distribution of thin viscous fluid films. It was first derived by Osborne Reynolds in 1886. The classical Reynolds Equation can be used to describe the pressure distribution in nearly any type of fluid film bearing; a bearing type in which the bounding bodies are fully separated by a thin layer of liquid or gas.
The pitch bearing, also named blade bearing, is a component of modern wind turbines which connect the rotor hub and the rotor blade. The bearing allows the required oscillation to control the loads and power of the wind turbine. The pitch system brings the blade to the desired position by adapting the aerodynamic angle of attack. The pitch system is also used for emergency breaks of the turbine system.
Tribofilms are films that form on tribologically stressed surfaces. Tribofilms are mostly solid surface films that result from a chemical reaction of lubricant components or tribological surfaces.
Extreme tribology refers to tribological situations under extreme operating conditions which can be related to high loads and/or temperatures, or severe environments. Also, they may be related to high transitory contact conditions, or to situations with near-impossible monitoring and maintenance opportunities. In general, extreme conditions can typically be categorized as involving abnormally high or excessive exposure to e.g. cold, heat, pressure, vacuum, voltage, corrosive chemicals, vibration, or dust. The extreme conditions should include any device or system requiring a lubricant operating under any of the following conditions:
Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) is a phenomenon that occurs in mechanical components relating to rolling/sliding contact, such as railways, gears, and bearings. It is the result of the process of fatigue due to rolling/sliding contact. The RCF process begins with cyclic loading of the material, which results in fatigue damage that can be observed in crack-like flaws, like white etching cracks. These flaws can grow into larger cracks under further loading, potentially leading to fractures.