Microstructural characterization of white etching cracks in bearings after long-term operation in wind turbines

H. K. Danielsen*, C. Hong, O.V. Mishin

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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    Abstract

    White etching cracks and other microstructural features have been investigated in two 100Cr6 steel bearings failed after several years of service in wind turbines. It is found that cracks in these bearings propagate predominantly through prior austenite grains in the tempered martensite structure. Both sharp and gradual transitions between the tempered martensite structure and white etching matter adjacent to the cracks are observed. Carbide particles in the transition regions are found to be finer than those in tempered martensite. It is suggested that structural refinement of these particles in the wind turbine bearings occurred at a late stage of white etching matter formation.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number129754
    JournalMaterials Letters
    Volume294
    Number of pages4
    ISSN0167-577X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2021

    Keywords

    • White Etching Cracks
    • Bearings
    • Deformation and Fracture
    • Microstructure
    • EBSD

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