Rola analizy fraktograficznej w ocenie przyczyn uszkodzenia elementów konstrukcyjnych i systemów napędowych

This article presents an analysis of both macro- and microfractographs as an example of a fatigue damage evolution in a driveshaft differential gear of a WRX class racing car. Results of the analysis allowed the identification of the probable main factor initiating this phenomenon. Fatigue fracture surface is a very essential source of cognitive and usable information about the potential damage causes of various mechanical components. In the investigated part, the structural notch was a main cause of fatigue (pre-mature) damage.