Investigation of running-in process based on surface roughness parameters, real contact area ratio and tribological properties

Abstract

The running-in process is the initial process for the new moving parts wearing against each other to establish the shape adjustment that will regulate them into a stable relationship for the rest of their working life. The objective of this research is to investigate and evaluate the running-in process by using disk-on-block line contact device. Due to its empirical nature and well-ploughed analysis, an asperity micro-contact model is considered. The experiment is performed by varying the surface roughness of the block with rigid smooth sphere surface under specific condition. The effects of surface roughness, load, speed, and lubrication on the running-in behaviour is studied. The running-in process encourage plastic deformation of asperities and created microstructural changes on contact surfaces. The theoretical and experiment result shows that the plasticity index ps, surface roughness parameter b, real contact area ratio * A0 and specific film thickness l is influenced by the running-in process.