Using recurrence plots for stability analysis of ring-on-disc tribopairs

Abstract

Purpose AISI 52100-AISI 1045 specimens were used as the ring-on-disc tribopairs in the experiments to investigate the stability of friction process. Design/methodology/approach The coefficient of friction (COF) signals were measured throughout the friction process and the recurrence plots (RPs) and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) are adapted to analyze the stability of the tribosystem. Findings The results show that the COF time-series acquired from different tests possess the same dynamic evolution laws. The evolution of RPs follows the rules of “disrupted-homogeneous-disrupted,” which corresponds to the “running-in, steady-state and increasing stages” of friction process. Additionally, the evolution laws of RQA measures LAM, Vmax and TT accord with the “bathtub curve.” Therefore, both RPs and RQA measures can inform quantitative interpretations of tribological behaviors and friction process identification. Originality/value The both RPs and RQA are capable of characterizing the tribological behaviors and can depict the various stages of friction process.