We are pleased to announce the initiation of a new research project titled “Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) Analysis of Bearing Balls,” led by Dr. Shubrajit Bhaumik, Associate Professor at Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai.

Why is this important? Bearing balls are the unsung heroes of countless machines. From the engines of our cars to the turbines of power plants, they ensure smooth operation and long life. However, they are susceptible to a phenomenon known as Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF). This occurs when repeated stress cycles lead to tiny cracks that eventually grow and cause catastrophic failure.

Our Mission: To combat this issue, the team will:

• Design and conduct rigorous experiments: We’ll subject bearing balls to extreme conditions to simulate real-world usage.
• Analyze the data: Using advanced techniques, we’ll identify the factors that contribute to RCF and predict the lifespan of bearing balls.
• Visualize the damage: High-resolution microscopy will allow us to see the microscopic cracks that lead to failure.

The Impact: By understanding the mechanisms of RCF, the research team can develop innovative solutions to improve the reliability and durability of bearing balls. This could lead to:

• Reduced downtime: Fewer unexpected breakdowns in critical machinery.
• Increased efficiency: Optimized bearing designs for maximum performance.
• Enhanced safety: Preventing accidents caused by bearing failures.