Some Effects of Additives on Rolling Contact Fatigue

Abstract

To study the influence of lubricant physical and chemical properties on rolling contact fatigue, a variety of base stocks and additives were evaluated with a 4-ball type fatigue machine. The effect of viscosity was found to depend on the means by which a given viscosity was achieved. Although some commonly used EP and antiwear additives had a pronounced effect on fatigue life, the direction and magnitude of the additive effect depended on the particular additive and its concentration in the blend. In addition, it was observed that the additive effect depended on the choice of base oil and ball steel. These results indicate that the chemical properties as well as the physical properties of the lubricant, can be important in rolling contact fatigue.