Modeling hydrogen diffusion in a tribological scenario: A failure analysis of a thrust bearing

A coupled diffusion-mechanical finite element simulation model was developed to study the diffusion of hydrogen in a cylindrical roller thrust bearing (CRTB). The simulations enabled obtaining qualitative information pertaining to stress-assisted diffusion in tribological loading and under the influence of residual stresses. The mechanical behavior of bearing steel was obtained from experiments and supported by literature. In parallel,...