This study performed the finite element analysis of the cycle of stress intensity factors at the surface initiated rolling contact fatigue crack tip under Hertzian contact stress including an accurate model of friction between the faces of the crack and the effect of fluid inside the crack. A two-dimensional model of a rolling contact fatigue crack has been developed with FRANC-2D software. The model includes the effect of Coulomb friction between the faces of the crack. The fluid in the crack was assumed not only to lubricate the crack faces and reduce the crack face friction coefficient but also to generate a pressure.

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