The magnetic effect on the wear of metals

The effect of a magnetic field on the wear of ferromagnetic metals (nickel and iron) has been investigated. Wear tests were carried out under an external magnetic field applied horizontally or vertically to the rubbing surface in atmospheres of air, nitrogen and argon. In air a magnetic field horizontal to the surface enhances specific wear. However, a magnetic field vertical to the surface accelerates the severe-to-mild-wear transition, so that it gives a remarkable reduction in specific wear. In nitrogen or argon a vertical magnetic field does not have this effect. The reduction in specific wear is thought to be due to the chemisorption of oxygen onto the ferromagnetic metals activated by the application of a vertical magnetic field.