Estimation of stress intensity factors for vertical edge crack under Hertzian contact by geometric function method

The stress near the surface of a component due to Hertzian contact can be well fitted by a exponentially distributed stresses. Knowledge of edge crack under such stresses were used to compute the stress intensity factor for vertical edge crack in a semi-infinite body under Hertzian contact by geometric function method. Very satisfactory results were obtained comparing with previous studies and it was proved that the geometric function method employed in this paper more convenient than other methods. The current analysis may facilitate further exploration of the wear mechanism.