Enhancing wear prediction with spectral analysis of noise and the dynamic response of the structure

Abstract

High frequency noise has been observed during reciprocating sliding of metal-metal in dry contact. In tribology, the study of friction and wear, this noise was historically associated with “brake squeal;” however, it has also been found to occur within structures and systems that experience high frequency, reciprocating contact of metal constituents; typically found in the connecting locations such as the joints of a variety of jointed structures ranging from automobiles, airplanes, and HVAC systems. This type of tribological behavior and fretting fatigue has been replicated in tribology experiments where researchers found increased noise followed with the increase in sliding velocity and lowered relative humidity [1]. It was also found in these experiments, that noise is only produced during the tension phase of the fretting cycle and it only occurs when specific criteria are met in the fretting system: reduction in the coefficient of friction and the self-excited vibration of the structure. In this study, 304 SS steel samples are tested within a fretting rig apparatus that produces high frequency noise. In addition to spectral analysis of the noise produced, the dynamic response of the self-excited response of the system is developed. The combination of spectral data and structural dynamics data may allow for better correlation between noise and the prediction of wear in dry metal-to-metal contacts. T. Jibiki and M. Tamura, “A basic study of friction noise caused by fretting,” Wear 251, 1492–1503 (2001).