Acoustic Emission Signals and Wear Phenomena on Severe-Mild Wear Transition

Abstract

The relationship between acoustic emission (AE) signals and wear phenomena in severe-mild wear transition is discussed on the basis of the results of observations of wear particles and worn surfaces of steel. Each wear mode, severe wear or mild wear, is reproduced for a different sliding velocity. The influence of relative humidity on mild wear is examined. We found a reduction in the true area of contact and the size of wear particles decreases the AE signal level in severe-mild wear transition. In the mild wear mode, an increase in the number of transfer particles lying between the sliding surfaces decreases the AE signal level. Further, a linear relationship is observed between the AE mean value and the specific wear rate, regardless of the wear mode. This is because the AE signals generated by the formation and removal of transfer particles mainly originate under conditions of repeated dry rubbing.