Macropitting

Macropitting due to
misalignment. Photo courtesy GEARTECH 2003.
Definition: Macropitting is a fatigue failure driven by Hertzian contact stress. Cracking and detachment
of the surface fragments results from cracks that develop in the subsurface of the gear or bearing.
Identification: Macropits on active tooth surface. Cracks on boundaries of the pits. Beach marks in
craters.
Discussion: Macropitting is a wear out failure mode. Failure from macropitting early in the design life of
a gearbox is abnormal, but a failure of this type at or beyond the end of the gearbox design life could
indicate that the gearbox was designed for minimum cost or weight and that the gearbox performed as
intended.
Prevention: Reduce contact stress. Increase surface hardness. Increase lubrication film specific
thickness.