Influence of Lubrication on the Friction and Wear Characteristics of Low Carbon Steel under Sliding Reciprocation Conditions

Abstract

Lubrication plays a crucial role in minimizing the losses associated with wear by decreasing the mating surface friction. In this regard, the present study focusses on the wear and friction characteristics of mating steel surfaces under the influence of different lubricants. Steel, being the second most important structural material has innumerable applications in various industries. The main objective of this work is to investigate the tribological properties of mating steel surfaces under linear reciprocation in the presence of different lubricants. This paper is based on the study and analysis of a low carbon steel specimen subjected to tests under dry and lubricated conditions to study the behaviour of the tribo-elements and surface which may significantly affect the tribological performance of the surface in contact. The low carbon steel specimens are case hardened by pack carburizing to improve the hardness of the steel surface. The effect of parameters such as applied load, sliding distance, case hardening and lubricant have been studied to investigate the effect on the friction characteristics. Post tribology worn surface characterization has been carried out the estimate the wear rate and mechanism of wear.