Abstract
To improve the fatigue properties of a high strength chain, the relationship between the shape of link and the stress distribution in it has been investigated.
1) Stress in the chain link under load gives different distributions depending upon whether a stud exists or not.
2) Even though the chain link has a stud, the stud does not function under low load when a small gap exists between the link and the stud.
3) Dimple is generated on the inner surface of links owing to studding. When the stud does not function, the stress concentration occurs at the edge of dimple.
4) With increasing the contact area between links, the maximum stress under load decreases.
