Review of rolling contact fatigue life calculation for oscillating bearings and application-dependent recommendations for use

Abstract

In contrast to the multitude of models in the literature for the calculation of rolling contact fatigue in rotating bearings, literature on oscillating bearings is sparse. This work summarizes the available literature on rolling contact fatigue in oscillating bearings. Publications which present various theoretical models are summarized and discussed. A number of errors and misunderstandings are highlighted, information gaps are filled, and common threads between publications are established. Recommendations are given for using the various models for any oscillating bearing in any industrial application. The applicability of these approaches to pitch and yaw bearings of wind turbines is discussed in detail.