RGL Associates visited the University of Leicester’s Department of Engineering recently to review progress on 2 final year projects with the supervisor Dr Simon Gill. RGL suggested topics for the projects that involve assessment of inclusions from in-service exposed bearings (in terms of size, shape, composition, presence of cracks, local stress concentrations) and FE modelling of idealised inclusions, voids and cracks in 2D subjected to rolling contact stresses (hopefully extending to 3D if time permits).
RGL has also been assisting the university to submit a PhD proposal to Lloyd’s Register Foundation/NSIRC entitled “The application of structural integrity concepts to rolling bearing fatigue”. In the event of a successful outcome, RGL will provide industrial guidance along with Dr Brian Tomkins FREng, chairman of the UK Forum for Engineering Structural Integrity (FESI).
The PhD proposal is the culmination of 4 seminars on the application of fracture mechanics concepts to rolling bearing fatigue organised under the FESI banner.