Study of Frictional Properties of AMS Nickel-Chromium Alloys

Abstract

The research reported in this article has considered the frictional characteristics of three kinds of AMS nickel-chromium alloys that are commonly used in aerospace industry. These are alloys with additions of titanium and aluminum AMS5542, nickel-chromium alloy AMS5596, and non-magnetic, corrosion and oxidation resistant, nickel-chromium alloy AMS5599. To determine the friction coefficient two tribological tests, a strip drawing test and a pin-on-disc tribometer have been conducted. Three different friction conditions were considered, dry friction, lubrication conditions using two grades of oils used in sheet metal forming of AMS alloys. The experimental results have ascertained several relationships showing the effect of sheet metal surface roughness, lubricant conditions and sheet orientation on the value of friction coefficient in sheet metal forming processes. Different levels of normal pressure were also used in friction tests. The results further showed that the surface topography and sample orientation in the rolling direction of the sheet are significant factors that influence the friction coefficient. It has been observed that the tested AMS alloys, selected from aerospace industry applications, exhibit anisotropic resistance to the friction corresponding to the measured orientation in relation to the rolling direction of the sheet.