A generalized fretting wear theory

Combined impact-sliding fretting wear is a complex phenomenon due to the random nature of the excitation force and the self-induced tribological changes. Available models, which relate wear losses to the process variables, are empirical in nature and bear no physical similarity to the actual mathematical and physical attributes of the wear process. A generalized fretting wear theory is presented to mathematically describe the fretting wear process under various modes of motion; impact, sliding and oscillatory. This theory, which is based on the findings from the fracture mechanics analysis of the crack initiation and propagation processes, takes into consideration the simultaneous action of both the surface adhesion and subsurface fatigue mechanisms. The theory also accounts for the micro-, and macro-contact configuration of the fretting tribo-system. The closed form solution requires the calibration of a single parameter, using a limited number of experiments, to account for the effect of environment and the support material. The model was validated using experimental data that were reported for Inconel 600 and Incoloy 800 materials at room and high temperature environment, and for different types of motion. The results showed that model can accurately predict wear losses within a factor of ±3. This narrow range presents better than an order of magnitude improvement over the current state-of-the-art models.     

Frequency effects in fretting wear

The effect of frequency of vibration on fretting wear has been investigated in the 10 – 1000 Hz range with additional experiments at 20 000 Hz. Fretting tests were performed with two materials, a low carbon steel (AISI 1018) and an austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304). The experiments showed that two cases of fretting contact can be distinguished and related to the displacement amplitude. If the amplitude is low, the contact situation is characterized by partial stick at the interface. At these conditions the wear rate (measured as the volume of material removed per cycle) is little affected by frequency. However, in low amplitude fretting material damage by surface degradation and fatigue crack initiation is usually of more concern than the actual wear itself. Both of these parameters are found to be greatly accelerated by an increase in frequency. In high amplitude fretting, in contrast, gross slip occurs at the interface and wear becomes the dominant damage mode. At these conditions variations in frequency appear to have little effect on fretting wear and related mechanisms. Therefore, in the case of fretting at high displacement amplitudes, it may be possible to apply high frequency fretting to obtain accelerated testing conditions.     

On the fretting wear mechanism of Zr-alloys

Zirconium alloys are highly desirable in nuclear applications due to their transparency to thermal energy neutrons and for their high corrosion resistance. The main objective of this study is to investigate the fretting wear mechanism of Zr–2.5%Nb alloy. The experimental work was carried out in air at 265 °C, using a specially designed fretting wear tribometer. The transfer of material, the change in the wear volume and the maximum wear depth with the number of cycles were measured through 3D mapping of the topography of the fretted surface. SEM and Fourier Transform Infrared Interferometry methods were used to examine the microspall pits and to measure the distribution of the thickness of oxide layer in the fretting region. For relatively small slip amplitude, the results showed that the fretting wear mechanism is initially dominated by adhesion and abrasion actions and then by delamination and surface fatigue. The time variation of the wear losses was shown to be cyclic until a steady state value is reached. At high slip amplitudes, however, abrasion and delamination are the only dominant wear mechanisms. The volumetric wear losses were found to decrease monotonically with the number of cycles. A novel approach was introduced, whereby the thermal and electrical contact resistances of the fretting interface are simultaneously measured. The results demonstrated the potential use of this non-intrusive approach for real-time monitoring of the fretting wear mechanism.     

Effect of grain size and hardness on fretting wear behavior of Inconel 600 alloys

The effects of grain size and bulk hardness on fretting wear behaviors were investigated by solution annealing and subsequently fretting wear test in Inconel 600 alloys. The results indicated that, with increase of solution temperature, the grain size increased while the hardness decreased. The average friction coefficients were the almost same, independent of grain size and hardness; while the wear volume decreased with increase of grain size, but the hardness played little role. The smaller grain was conductive to formation of tribological transformed structure (TTS) layer, and produced shorter delamiantion cracks in the TTS layer than larger one.     

Study on rotational fretting wear of 7075 aluminum alloy

Rotational fretting wear tests in a ball-on-flat configuration have been successfully realized on a special rotational fretting rig developed from an ultra-low-speed reciprocating rotational driver. The rotational fretting behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy against 52 100 steel was studied under different angular displacement amplitudes and normal loads. The results showed that both F_t?θ and F_t/F_n curves can be used to characterize the rotational fretting running behavior, which exhibited different curve shapes and variation trends in different fretting running regimes. The rotational fretting behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy was strongly dependent on the angular displacement amplitude, normal load and number of cycles. The wear of 7075 aluminum alloy was characterized by slight attrition in the partial slip regime, while a combination of delamination, abrasive and oxidative wear was found in the slip and mixed fretting regimes. The formation of a central bulge probably due to plastic flow was observed under gross slip condition of the rotational fretting mode.     

Different aspects of the role of wear debris in fretting wear

Two different aspects of the role of oxide wear debris in fretting wear are studied by allowing them to escape from the interface during sliding. This is accomplished by laser surface texturing that forms regular micro-pores topography on the friction surfaces which enables this escape. It is found that the role of oxide wear debris depends on the dominant fretting wear mechanism. Their presence in the interface protects the friction surfaces when the dominant wear mechanism is adhesive and harms the friction surfaces when this mechanism is abrasive. The escape of oxide wear debris into the micro-pores results in up to 84% reduction in the electrical contact resistance of the textured fretting surfaces.     

690合金材料的微动磨损特性研究

利用微动磨损试验机,在载荷50N以及位移幅值为60μm、100μm、150μm的工况下,研究了690合金材料在常温下的微动磨损行为及其动力学特性,采用激光共焦扫描显微镜(LCSM)和扫描电子显微镜(SEM)观察磨痕微观形貌。结果表明,载荷和位移幅值对微动特征有很大的影响,微动运行完全处于滑移状态。在滑移区,滑移磨损严重、磨痕面积大。690合金材料的磨损机制主要表现为磨粒磨损与剥层的共同作用。     

A novel modular fretting wear test rig

A novel modular experimental apparatus was designed and developed to measure and visualize fretting wear and friction for Hertzian circular and elliptical contacts and flat on flat contacts. The experimental apparatus utilizes a magnetostrictive actuator to reciprocate a flat, ball, or cylinder between two fixed specimens. Two stationary flat or cylindrical specimens mounted on a rotary table clamp the reciprocating specimen from the top and bottom to generate the fretting contact. The two stationary test specimens installed on the rotary table perpendicular to the moving specimen form a crossed cylinder geometry which creates a well-defined circular contact. An elliptical contact with different aspect ratios can be obtained by varying the angle between the fixed and the moving specimens. Dead weights placed on top of the upper stationary specimen provide the normal load. A force sensor located in line between the actuator output shaft and the specimen is used to measure friction. The test rig's modular design allows it to be configured for Hertzian circular (ball-on-flat, crossed cylinder), elliptical (crossed cylinder), and conformal (flat-on-flat) contacts. In the ball on flat configuration a steel flat or sapphire window is used in contact with the reciprocating ball. When the sapphire window is used a microscope and high speed camera is employed for in situ visualization and recording of the contact.     

Study on transition between fretting and reciprocating sliding wear

An experimental investigation was conducted to find the associated changes in characteristics of wear before and after the transition between fretting and reciprocating sliding wear. A set of experiments were carried out using a AISI 52100 steel ball rubbing against a plate specimen made from the same steel under dry condition. Wear coefficient, wear volume, coefficient of friction, profile of the scars and wear debris were analyzed. The results displayed that there were significant differences in wear coefficient, wear volume, profile of the wear scars and wear debris before and after the transition. Wear coefficient and wear volume at a constant sliding distance were found to be the most appropriate for identifying the transition amplitude between fretting and reciprocating sliding wear.     

Effect of atmospheric pressure on friction and wear of 0.45% C steel in fretting

Oxidative wear is significant in fretting wear when sufficient oxygen is supplied. In vacuum, however, oxide does not form readily. In this paper friction and wear behaviours were studied at various atmospheric pressures in order to clarify the effect of ambient pressure on them.Experiments were conducted with 0.45% C steel at ambient pressures from 1.0 × 10⁵ to 1.3 × 10^?3 Pa. The load was 14 N, the peak-to-peak slip amplitudes were 35 and 110 μm and the frequency was usually 8.3 Hz.Friction behaviours are characterized into three types according to the ambient pressure: 1.0 × 10⁵ ? 10 Pa, 10 ? 10^?1 Pa and below 10^?1 Pa. The coefficient of friction increases with a decrease in ambient pressure below 1 Pa. The critical pressure in fretting is found to be 10 Pa, above which the oxidation rate is independent of the ambient pressure and α-Fe₂O₃ is formed. Wear decreases with ambient pressure below the critical pressure where Fe₃O₄ is formed. Adhesive transfer of metallic debris occurs below 10^?1 Pa.The relationship between the coefficient of friction and oxide thickness is obtained analytically, and the effect of frequency on the oxidation rate is considered.     

Effect of the hardness of hardened steels and the action of oxides on fretting wear

The influence of hardness on fretting wear was investigated experimentally in air using a bearing-steel ball sliding on a 0.6% C steel plate under a load of 34.3 N at a frequency of 16.6 Hz. The total number of cycles was 10⁵ and peak-to-peak amplitudes of 45 and 260 μm were used. The hardness of both materials was varied from 220 to 850 HV.Hardness had only a minor influence on fretting wear. The significant factor was the action of any black oxide produced. The black oxide reduced the wear of the surface from which it was generated but acted as an abrasive against the opposing surface. At a sliding amplitude of 260 μm there were discontinuities on the wear curves due to the formation of black oxide. Similar wear characteristics were obtained with an amplitude of 45 μm except that some heavy damage due to adhesion and material transfer occurred.     

The occurrence of spherical particles in fretting wear

The use of the scanning electron microscope to examine mild steel surfaces fretted in argon has revealed spherical debris as a characteristic feature of the wear process. They are found at all temperatures up to 500°C, usually with a smooth but layered surface. Sphere location is mainly in regions of high adhesion, on the scar surface itself or within surface cracks or tears. Metallographic examination has confirmed that the spherical particles have the same structure as the material from which they formed. Their formation and growth is a result of an alternating type of deformation occurring along a local interface.     

On the mechanisms of various fretting wear modes

According to relative motion directions for a ball-on-flat contact, there are four fundamental fretting wear modes, e.g., tangential, radial, torsional and rotational modes. In this paper, the mechanisms of these four fundamental fretting wear modes, particularly for the later three modes, have been reviewed from results obtained by the authors in combination with results from literature. Some general features have been reported. Differences both in running and degradation behavior have been discussed in detail. Results showed that some similar laws for three fretting regimes (partial slip regime, mixed regime and slip regime), fretting maps (running condition fretting map and material response fretting map), wear and cracking mechanisms obtained from the classic mode (i.e. tangential fretting) were also identified and useful to characterize the other modes. Nevertheless, the occurrence of relative slip for the radial fretting, the formation of mixed regime for the torsional fretting, the evolution of surface morphology for the rotational fretting were quite different compared to that of the classical fretting mode.     

Design effects on the fretting wear behaviour of ball bearings

A change in design of a ball bearing is described based on the results of numerical and experimental analysis to reduce fretting wear. Increasing the radii of curvature of the inner and outer races by a small amount reduces the product of the relative slip δ and the tangential traction τ at the contact region, both of which are caused by Heathcote slip. This results in the consequent reduction in fretting wear because there is a good correlation between the amount of fretting wear and τδ. This prediction is confirmed experimentally by increasing the groove radius of the inner race from 4.02 to 4.21 mm for a ball of radius 3.97 mm.     

Dual-rotary fretting wear behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy

Friction and wear behavior of dual-rotary fretting (DRF) combined by torsional and rotational fretting modes have been investigated. Such fretting mode is essentially achieved by changing tilt angles of the rotary axis and varying rotary angular displacement amplitudes The DRF behavior has been characterized from the dynamic behavior, wear damage, third-body behavior, wear mechanisms. The running condition fretting map (RCFM) of DRF fretting wear was established by using the tilt angles and angular displacement amplitudes. The evolution of the wear volume vs the tilt angle under varied angular displacement amplitudes was quantificationally measured. In addition, the competition between the local wear and fatigue (cracking, wear) has been discussed in detail. The results indicated that the damage of 7075 aluminum alloy induced by DRF was strongly dependent upon the tilt angle and the angular displacement amplitude.     

Prediction of fretting wear using boundary element method

The simulation method of the fretting wear prediction using boundary element method is developed. The contact pressure and the contact width which is the first step to predict fretting wear are obtained from contact analysis of a semi-infinite solid based on the use of influence functions and patch solutions. The geometrical updating is based on nodal wear depths computed using Archard’s equation for sliding wear. The prediction of fretting wear for two cases of contact problems is performed; one is two-dimensional cylinder on flat contact which is for the comparison with a previous model by finite element method; the other is three-dimensional spherical contact. It is observed that for two-dimensional cylindrical contact the boundary element method developed in this study reduced the calculation time by 1/48 compared to FE method. We also showed the use of developed simulation technique is efficient to predict the fretting wear for three-dimensional spherical contact.     

The effect of number of cycles on the critical transition boundary between fretting fatigue and fretting wear

The object of the present study was to investigate the influence of number of cycles on the critical amplitudes of tangential force and displacement, identifying the transition from a mixed stick-slip regime (fretting fatigue) to a gross slip regime (fretting wear) over a wide range of test conditions. Fretting experiments were conducted on three metal specimen combinations: copper/copper; stainless steel/stainless steel; copper/stainless steel. All experiments took place in air, at ambient temperature, using a crossed-cylinder geometry. Normal loads of 3.4 and 11.4 N were applied with frequencies ranging from 10 to 800 Hz. In most cases, n = 1.2×10⁴ and n = 6×10⁶ were adopted as the representative lower and higher number of cycles, respectively. At different numbers of cycles, critical amplitudes of tangential force and displacement were measured. The scars fretted under separately selected conditions were examined by scanning electron microscopy.

It was found that the critical amplitudes of both tangential force and displacement dropped with increasing number of cycles for all test combinations, but there was an upper limit above which the drop of critical transition values no longer occurred with further increases in the number of cycles. The micromorphology of fretting scars (in a mixed stick-slip regime) revealed that the stick zone has shrunk after a larger number of cycles under the conditions of constant amplitude of tangential force and displacement, and that the damage mechanisms vary for different combinations, although they are all characterized by a central stick zone surrounded by a slip annulus. It was suggested that the decrease of critical amplitudes after a larger number of cycles results from the shrinkage of the stick area, which may be a complex process related to plastic deformation, strain hardening, and the change of stress distribution on the contact surfaces.     

Nanoscale fretting wear study by scanning probe microscopy

Nanoscale fretting wear was studied by using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and a newly proposed unified approach of slip index. The production of SiO₂ colloidal probes and the SPM calibration are described. Partial and gross slip fretting with displacement amplitudes from 5 to 500 nm were used for the study. Friction coefficient and nanowear results are presented showing a substantial increase of the friction at the transition from partial to gross slip and a significant difference between damaged surfaces in the two fretting regimes.     

Finite element simulation and experimental validation of fretting wear

A finite element-based method is presented for simulating both the fretting wear and the evolution of fretting variables with number of wear cycles in a cylinder-on-flat fretting configuration for application to aeroengine transmission components. The method is based on a modified version of Archard’s equation and is implemented within a commercial finite element code. Fretting tests are employed to determine the coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear coefficient applicable to the contact configuration and loading conditions. The wear simulation technique is incremental in nature and the total simulation time has been minimised via mesh and increment size optimisation. The predicted wear profiles have been compared with profilometer measurements of fretting test scars.     

The effect of SiC additives on fretting wear of electroplated NiP coatings

The present work studies the effect of reinforcing additives of submicron-size silicon carbide and thermal treatment on fretting wear of nickel-phosphorus (NiP) electroplated coatings. The tests are conducted under a 500-μm shear of the friction contact. The tribotests show that all coatings under study undergo abrasive-oxidative wear. Thermal treatment is found to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of the coatings under fretting, whereas the increased content of the SiC additive leads to increased friction coefficient and wear rate. The annealed NiP coatings have a lower wear rate compared to the composite NiP-SiC coatings.