Effect of Surface Topography on Friction and Transfer Layer during Sliding

Abstract

Surface topography influences friction and transfer layer formation during sliding. In the present investigation, various kinds of surface topography were produced on steel plates. Pins made of metals (pure Al, Cu and Pb) and alloys (Al-4Mg and Al-8Mg) were then slid against prepared steel plates using inclined pin-on-plate sliding tester to understand the role of surface topography of harder surface and load on friction and transfer layer formation under both dry and lubricated conditions. It was observed that the transfer layer formation and coefficient of friction along with its two components, namely adhesion and plowing, are strongly dependent on surface topography and independent of surface roughness (R_a). The plowing component of friction was highest for the surface that promotes plane strain conditions and lowest for the surface that promotes plane stress conditions near the surface.