Relation between scuffing resistance and the increase in surface hardness during tests under conditions of rolling/sliding

The effect on scuffing resistance of a change in the condition of the rubbing surfaces, especially surface hardness, was investigated using a two-disc machine. Scuffing resistance increased with increasing surface hardness during testing. The increase of surface hardness by work hardening is more beneficial in preventing scuffing than is a change in carbon content or heat treatment. Work-hardened disc surfaces allow surface film formation as a result of plastic deformation. Materials with large Meyer indices and high surface hardness are less prone to scuffing.