An investigation of fretting behaviour of several metallic materials under grease lubrication

Fretting wear tests under grease lubrication have been carried out on an aluminium alloy, 52100 steel and low-alloy steel. The sphere–flat contact configuration is used. The influence of the displacement amplitude and normal load is investigated. Comparison between dry and lubricated contact of aluminium alloy, between 52100/52100 steel and 52100/low-alloy steel contact with grease lubrication has been carried out. Results show that grease lubrication strongly affects fretting behaviour. Base oil that separated from the grease during friction may result in accelerated contact wear by fretting.