Abstract：White etching crack (WEC) is a failure mode different from the classical rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and one of the most concerned failure modes because it usually results in premature failures. The difference between WEC failure and classical RCF is briefly introduced, then the effects of additional loads, bearing materials and heat treatment, surface coating on WEC failure lifetime of bearings, and the influence of steel cleanliness on WEC and RCF lifetimes of bearings are investigated with rig tests. It is proved that the additional loads are necessary to WEC formation, and improving steel cleanliness is only effective to prolong classical RCF lifetime but not effective to WEC failure lifetime of bearings.
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2020, Vol. 30 
