Abstract
In this study, tensile and fatigue crack propagation tests machined from actual wheels were performed. FEM analysis also was performed on the crack that was assumed to be 15 mm in depth under the wheel tread surface. The stress intensity factors K I and K II at the crack tip under the stress($P_{max}=911.5MPa$) due to a rolling contact were analyzed for crack growth characteristics. As a result, the perpendicular crack was found to be more dangerous compared to the parallel one. It is found that in the wheel fatigue crack, parallel to the wheel tread surface, the crack with its length 2a = 2.4mm starts to propagate due to the fact that the effective stress intensity factor access to the threshold stress intensity factor($K_{th}=16.04MPa{\sqrt{m}}$) of the wheel.
