UNLUBRICATED FRICTION STUDY IN 52100 STEEL WITH SOFT METAL COATINGS (TRIBOLOGY).

摘要

A series of sliding tests using a pin-on-disc system with samples of 52100 steel coated with soft metals were conducted in vacuo. Variables included sliding distance, film thickness and method of film deposition. SEM, EDS, and AES have been used to characterize the test samples at various stages of sliding, revealing changes in both the films and substrates. Some of these changes suggest how the friction coefficient can remain low even when most of the film material has worn away. An energy-based model of friction has been used to rationalize some of the friction results, and a failure model for loosely adhesive films has been proposed.