Influence of test parameters on friction and wear results obtained in oscillating sliding tests with 100cr6 steel against sic‐based materials

Abstract

AbstractIn order to characterise materials for tribological applications, model tests with simple contact geometry are in widespread use. Friction and wear behaviour can be determined with high accuracy from this type of test. Tests with oscillating sliding motion have the advantage that only small‐sized specimens are required. However, the fact that the results of model tests are affected considerably by the choice of test parameters is often overlooked. In order to check the influence of test parameters on friction and wear results, tests were performed in which the relevant parameters (stroke, frequency, load, relative humidity of the surrounding air) were varied. Comparative studies with different SiC‐based materials (SiC, SiSiC, and SiC‐TiC) against steel (100Cr6) under unlubricated conditions at room temperature show that in all cases the relative humidity is an important parameter, influencing the friction and wear results substantially. Additionally, several parameters can modify friction and wear behaviour more or less significantly. The effects of test parameters on friction and wear are discussed here on the basis of the wear mechanism. Some of the consequences of this for planning test series and for the practical use of test results are noted.