Examination of the contact pattern of rolling surfaces

This article provides a brief summary of the potential applications of contact pattern examinations. The examination of contact pattern is a frequently used test for gear drives, rolling bearings and checking support rollers. It is used on gear drives and support rollers to test operating conditions, whereas in the case of rolling bearings the cause of the failure has already been identified. The chapters mention the types of contact patterns, the shape and size of contact patterns. This article is an introduction to a multi-part article series that presents the computerbased capabilities of contact pattern examination.