Open-source tribometer with high repeatability: Development and performance assessment

Abstract

A novel conception of Arduino-based open-source tribo-testing system with high repeatability, low-cost, and easy-redeveloped initiative capabilities was demonstrated. The mechanical platform design, electrical circuit design, control and data acquisition, software interface, and force sensor calibration are described and discussed in detail. A complete set of the open-source tribometer development plan is revealed. Representative tribological tests were performed to evaluate the performance and generality of the developed open-source tribometer. Results of the tests show that the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), high-entropy alloys (HEAs) film, and silicon (Si) wafer are 0.99941, 0.99932, 0.99918, and 0.994847, respectively, which demonstrates high repeatability and reliability in the three parallel tests using the developed open-source tribometer. Beyond the fundamental interest in this pin-on-disc type tribo-testing system, several open-source options for different types of friction contact and environments are also explored to show that the customized Arduino-based open-source tribometer can lead to further insight into the tribological phenomena based on the real-life service condition, thus being suitable not only for tribological evaluation but also for elucidating underlying mechanisms.