Mode II stress intensity factors for a crack parallel to the surface of an elastic half-space subjected to a moving point load

The direction of propagation of rolling contact fatigue cracks is observed to depend upon the direction of motion of the load. In this paper approximate calculations are described of the variation of Mode II stress intensity factors at each tip of a subsurface crack, which lies parallel to the surface of an elastic half-space, due to a load moving over the surface. In particular the effect of frictional locking of the crack faces under the load is investigated. In consequence of frictional locking the range of SIF at the trailing tip ΔK_T is found to be about 30% greater than that of the leading tip ΔK_L, which is consistent with observations that subsurface cracks propagate predominantly in the direction of motion of the load over the surface. The effects on k_t and k_lof crack length, crack face friction, traction forces at the surface and residual shear stresses are also investigated.