Signature Response for Friction and Wear

An experimental study of signature response for friction and wear is carried out in a triplane ball-on-peg machine under varying load conditions. Photographs of worn roller test specimens at critical temperatures were taken to determine the nature of the wear surface under boundary lubricated conditions. Acoustic response in the beginning and at the point of scuffing has demonstrated a definite trend which follows a similar pattern as that of friction. The experiment was repeated with a combination of steel and brass and with steel and mild steel using as the lubricants hexadecane, MoS₂ and light stock oil. The scuffing load was accompanied by severe wear of the surface. A critical value for friction and that of acoustic response was observed with variations in temperature. Results obtained contribute to the assesment in the change in friction and wear values on sliding surfaces. This help comes from a knowledge of acoustic emission and the known condition of the surface and both components of the pair. The findings of these experimental results and the mode of signature response provides a good scope for further investigations aimed at understanding the mechanism and establishing a method for diagnostic maintenance.