The method for fatigue life prediction of ball bearing is proposed applying the algorithm of contact fatigue prediction based on stress analysis. In order to do this, a series of simulation such as initial surface stress analysis, EHL analysis, subsurface stress analysis and fatigue analysis are conducted from the loading at each ball location calculated for a bearing subjected to external bearing load and contact shape function. And uniaxial fatigue tests are performed to obtain fatigue parameter of AISI 52100 steel. It was found that since stress is usual1y higher at the inner raceway contact than at the outer raceway contact, fatigue failure occurs on the inner raceway first. When the fatigue life calculated in the stress-based method are compared with LSO life ofL-P model, Cross land criterion for the radial load increment is similar to LSD life and Dang Van criterion for the axial load increment is similar. In the case of EHL contact, there is no difference of fatigue life between dry contact and EHL contact, when maximum Hertz pressure exceeds 2.5GPa.
