Tribological research on the development of White Etching Cracks (WECs)

The aim of the presented research activities was to identify mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors possibly linked to the formation of WECs (White Etching Cracks). By means of a systematic variation of various influencing parameters, the significance of each of those was investigated. It is hoped that, once the parameters promoting WECs have been identified, the physical and chemical mechanisms responsible for WEC can be thoroughly understood in the near future. This would allow to prevent costly premature bearing failures, e. g. given in wind turbines.