The effect of removing worn particles by ultrasonic cleaning on the wear characterization of LM13 alloy

Abstract

In this research, three dry sliding wear tests have been carried out with a pin-on-disk apparatus at the sliding speed of 0.17 m/s and under 30 N normal load. The eutectic aluminium-silicon alloy (LM13 alloy) and tool steel have been selected as wearing surfaces. In order to focus on the effect of worn particles, they have been removed periodically by ultrasonic cleaning during one test, while another one has been carried out without applying ultrasonic cleaning. To study the variation of the wear behavior, one more test has been running continuously. During the formation and removal of the tribolayer under the control of the wear behavior without ultrasonic cleaning, a mild wear regime and a lower wear rate have been observed. As to the severe regime, it has been observed at the removal of some parts of the tribolayer when the cleaning was applied.