On Tribo-Test Machine Integrating Pin-on-Disc and Block-on-Ring

Abstract

A concept of integrating more than one tribo-technique, Pin-on-Disc (POD) and Block-on-Ring (BOR), working simultaneously under same test conditions against same counterface is introduced in a new multi-tribo-test-machine. In this machine, different wear modes (adhesive, two-body-abrasive, three-body-abrasive, under dry, lubricated, or slurry conditions) can be conducted. Results of adhesive wear, friction and interface temperature of chopped strand mat glass fibre reinforced polyester composite (CGRP) under wet/dry contact condition are produced at 50 N load for different test durations (10-30 min.) and sliding speeds (1.7-5.6 m/s) using the new machine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations are carried out on the worn surfaces of the composite to study the mechanism of damage. Wear rates and friction coefficient of CGRP composite were substantially influenced by introducing water as lubricant. Additionally, BOR techniques showed lower wear rate and low friction coefficient compared to POD.