Recent advances in wheel–rail RCF and wear testing

The wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) testing approaches for wheels and rails have been reviewedand evaluated in this study. The study points out the advantages and limitations of the existing approaches. Thebroad analysis revealed that scaled laboratory-based wear testing is widely applied. However, it is necessary topredetermine the input parameters and observing parameters for scaled wear testing for three reasons: first, toemulate the real-world scenarios as closely as possible;second, to postprocess the results received from the scaledtesting and transfer them into real practice at full scale;third, to present the results in a legible/appropriate format.Therefore, most of the important parameters required for wear testing have been discussed with fundamental andsystematic explanations provided. Additionally, the transition of the parameters from the real-world into the testdomain is explained. This study also elaborates on the challenges of the RCF and wear testing processes andconcludes by providing major considerations toward successful testing.

Dry sliding friction and wear behaviors of Mg_2B_2O_5 whisker reinforced 6061Al matrix composites

The friction and wear properties of Mg2B2O5 whisker reinforced 6061Al matrix composite fabricated via power ultrasonic-stir casting process were investigated using a ball-on-disk wear-testing machine against a GCr45 steel counterface under dry sliding conditions. The reinforcements include as-received Mg2B2O5 whiskers and Mg2B2O5 whiskers coated with CuO and ZnO. The volume fraction of the composites is 2%. The relationship between the wear rate and the coefficient of friction was discussed. The results indicate that the wear rate of the Mg2B2O5 whiskers coated with ZnO reinforced aluminum matrix composites is the lowest among the materials. As the applied load and sliding speed steadily increase the coefficients of friction and wear rates of the as-received matrix alloy and the fabricated composites decrease. As the applied load and sliding speed increase, the wear mechanisms of the composites shift from a mild to a severe regime.

Influence of niobium and molybdenum addition on microstructure and wear behavior of laser-borided layers produced on Nimonic 80A-alloy

Laser alloying was used for production of thick layers on surface of Nimonic 80A-alloy.For laser surface modification,three types of pre-coated pastes were applied:with amorphous boron,with amorphous boron and molybdenum as well as with amorphous boron and niobium.The microstructure,hardness and wear resistance of produced layers were studied in details.The presence of different types of borides in re-melted zone depended on the paste composition and caused an increase in hardness up to about HV 1000.The wear resistance was evaluated by calculation of mass wear intensity factor Imw and relative mass loss of specimen and counter-specimen.The wear behavior of the tested frictional pairs was determined by 3D interference microscopy,scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDS microanalyzer.The significant increase in abrasive wear resistance was observed in comparison to untreated Nimonic 80A-alloy.The lowest mass loss intensity factor was characteristic of laser-alloyed Nimonic 80A-alloy with boron and niobium(Imw=1.234 mg/(cm2?h)).Laser alloyed-layers indicated abrasive wear mechanism with clearly visible grooves.Laser alloying with boron and niobium resulted in the additional oxidative wear mechanism.In this case,EDS patterns revealed presence of oxygen on the worn surface of specimen.

Comparison of wear behaviour of LM13 Al−Si alloy based composites reinforced with synthetic(B_(4)C)and natural(ilmenite)ceramic particles

Dry sliding wear behaviour of stir-cast aluminium matrix composites(AMCs)containing LM13 alloy as matrix and ceramic particles as reinforcement was investigated.Two different ceramic particle reinforcements were used separately:synthetic ceramic particles(B_(4)C),and natural ceramic particles(ilmenite).Optical micrographs showed uniform dispersion of reinforced particles in the matrix material.Reinforced particles refined the grain size of eutectic silicon and changed its morphology to globular type.B_(4)C reinforced composites(BRCs)showed maximum improvement in hardness of AMCs.Ilmenite reinforced composites(IRCs)showed maximum reduction in coefficient of friction values due to strong matrix−reinforcement interfacial bonding caused by the formation of interfacial compounds.Dry sliding wear behaviour of composites was significantly improved as compared to base alloy.The low density and high hardness of B_(4)C particles resulted in high dislocation density around filler particles in BRCs.On the other hand,the low thermal conductivity of ilmenite particles resulted in early oxidation and formation of a tribo-layer on surface of IRCs.So,both types of reinforcements led to the improvement in wear properties of AMCs,though the mechanisms involved were very different.Thus,the low-cost ilmenite particles can be used as alternative fillers to the high-cost B_(4)C particles for processing of wear resistant composites.

Friction and Wear Behavior of Ti-6Al-7Nb Biomaterial Alloy

Titanium has been increasingly applied to biomedical application because of its improved mechanical characteristics, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However their application remains limited, due to the low strength and poor wear resistance of unalloyed titanium. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the friction and wear behavior of high-strength titanium alloys: Ti-6Al-7Nb used in femoral stem (total hip prosthesis). The oscillating friction and wear tests have been carried out in ambient air with oscillating tribotester in accord with standards ISO 7148, ASTM G99-95a, ASTM G 133-95 under different conditions of normal applied load (3, 6 and 10 N) and sliding speed (1, 15 and 25 mm.s-1), and as a counter pair we used the ball of 100C 6, 10 mm of diameter. The surface morphology of the titanium alloys has been characterized by SEM, EDAX, micro hardness, roughness analysis measurements. The behavior observed for both samples suggests that the wear and friction mechanism during the test is the same for Ti alloys, and to increase resistance to wear and friction of biomedical titanium alloys used in total hip prosthesis (femoral stems) the surface coating and treatment are required.

Wear of MgO-C Refractories in EBT Type Furnaces Experienced at Iranian Mobarakeh Steel Plant

Mobarakeh Steel Company produces 3 million tons of steel annually with eight 180 tons EBT furnaces. Different types of magnesia-carbon refractories have been employed at slagline during last 5 years. In the present study the wear and corrosion of MgO-C refractories of these furnaces have been studied via post-mortem analysis of used bricks and the observation of operational effects. Laboratory corrosion tests were also arranged to investigate the effect of slag chemistry and the mechanism of chemical corrosion . Characterization of different magnesia-carbon bricks clarified that the crystal size , type and chemistry of magnesia as well as graphite structure have the main influence on corrosion resistance. The CaO: SiO2 ratio in slag also plays a vital role in the wear of slagline refractories. The iron oxide content of slag also has a major role in graphite oxidation. Of metallurgical parameters , the electric power input and the contact time have great influence on refractories life. The results will be discussed with emphasis on particular operational factors in Mobarakeh steel plant.

Topside Axial Bearing Wear Under the Eccentric Load of a Single-Anchor Leg Mooring System in Bohai Bay

Because the applications of single-anchor leg mooring yoke systems(SYSs)are rarely studied in the offshore industry,the design of such systems features some uncertainties.This paper investigated the effect of eccentricity on the wear of the topside axial bearing of a SYS.The eccentricity of the topside was verified by on-site inspection,and the axial bearing wear was found to be far more serious than the original design.The contact status between the axial bearing and flange surface was studied on the basis of the actual topside load by using nonlinear finite element analysis.Wear tests of the topside bearing under uniform and eccentric loads were also performed to study the effect of eccentric loads on the wear rate.The key parameters obtained from numerical simulations and experimentation were used to calculate the wear depth via a simplified linear wear model based on the product of the pressure and sliding distance.Results showed that eccentric loads are the main factor responsible for the excessive wear of topside axial bearings.

A Comparative Study on Dry Sliding Wear Characteristics of Al2O3 and Bone Powder Filled Hybrid Composites

The aim of the research was to develop E-glass/jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites with an addition of Al2O3 and bone powder by using hand layup technique and to compare tribological properties of these composites under similar test conditions. The wear experiments were designed according to Taguchi’s (L27) orthogonal array with three control variables such as sliding velocity, filler content and normal load. The results indicated that the normal load for Al2O3 and filler content for bone powder emerged as the significant factors affecting specific wear rate of hybrid composites. An addition of 10 wt% of bone powder or Al2O3 into E-glass/jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites increased the wear resistance considerably, and natural waste bone powder can be used instead of ceramic filler Al2O3 in hybrid composites. After the analysis of control factors, an optimal factor setting has been suggested for specific wear rate and coefficient of friction. Further, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images for worn surfaces of hybrid composites were studied. Finally, a confirmation test was carried out to validate the results.

Mechanical Characterization of Rubber Latex-Based Carpets (Hevea bresiliensis): Influence of Rubber Latex Content and Fiber Fabrics (Cotton and Mosquito Nets) on Wear Resistance of Rubber Latex-Based Carpets

This work focuses on the development of carpets from sand, fabrics of cotton fiber and mosquito nets and rubber latex. Following a study on the choice of the best formulations, the quantity of rubber latex used for shaping varies between 14% and 18% (latex/sand + latex ratio) for the carpet with the fabric of mosquito nets and between 16% and 18% for the one made with the fabric of cotton fiber. Thus, with a mixture of sand, fiber fabrics (cotton and mosquito nets) and rubber latex, carpets were developed. In addition, the wear test carried out on these samples indicates that it is possible to produce carpets with the new material made of rubber sand and latex: SABLATEX At room temperature. Following the characterization test, it resorts to only 16% latex with cotton fiber fabric, allowing to have carpets with good mechanical characteristics.

Synthesis and Tribological Behaviors of Ti_3SiC_2 Material Prepared by Vacuum Sintering Technique

The bulk Ti3SiC2 specimens with less than 1 wt% TiC impurity were prepared by vacuum sintering technique, and the average grain size was about 5-6 μm in the elongated direction. When the sintering temperature, soaking time and heating rate were 1 400 ℃, 1 h and 10℃·min-1, respectively, the highest relative density of Ti3SiC2 specimens could reach 97.8%. Meanwhile, the lowest coefficient of friction （COF） and wear rate （WR） of the Ti3SiC2 samples were 0.55 and 1.37×10-3 mm3（Nm）-1 at a sliding speed of 0.35 m/s, load pressure of 10 N and ambient condition, respectively. The COF of the Ti3SiC2 sample reduced with the increasing of the load pressure, while the WRs fluctuated little. The WR increased with the increasing of the sliding speed, and weakly influenced the COF. These changing behaviors could be attributed to the presence and coverage of the amorphous mixture oxide film ofTi, Si, A1, and Fe on the Ti3SiC2 friction surface. The self- antifriction mechanism led to reducing of the COF. The increasing of the WR was attributed to the wearing consumption.

Tribological Performance of Bioimplants: A Comprehensive Review

Total joint replacements(TJR) have been a huge success for orthopaedic surgery in the past century and are gaining increasing importance today due to the aging population. However, the short longevity of artificial joints is one of the major problems in bioimplant industry and needs to be rectified since an increasing number of young people, with more active lifestyles, must receive TJR. Wear mechanisms are discussed in this paper to describe the root causes of the failures and to give some general ideas to increase the lifespan of artificial joints. The suitable material combination is of great importance for the wear resistance of bioimplants, and bioceramics will exert a crucial effect in their future progress. Other materials, such as metal alloys and polymers, are also discussed in this paper. Surface finish is another factor affecting the tribological performance of bioimplants. In recent years, surface texture technology has fascinated many researchers, and a good design of texture pattern requires a comprehensive understanding of wear mechanisms, material properties, and dynamic fluid theory. This review also covers a summary of in vitro wear tests, including simulators, lubricant, and testing parameters.

Effect of austenitization temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of low-carbon-equivalent carbidic austempered ductile iron

The wear resistances of austempered ductile iron （ADI） were improved through intxoduction of a new phase （carbide） into the ma- txix by addition of chromium. In the present investigation, low-caxbon-equivalent ductile iron （LCEDI） （CE = 3.06%, and CE represents cax- bon-equivalent） with 2.42% chromium was selected. LCEDI was austeintized at two difl＇erent temperatures （900 and 975~C） a^ld soaked for 1 h and then quenched in a salt bath at 325~C for 0 to 10 h. Samples were analyzed using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Wear tests were carded out on a pin-on-disk-type machine. The efl＇ect of austenization temperature on the wear resistance, impact strength, and the mi- crostructure was evaluated. A stxucture-property correlation based on the observations is established.

TRIBOLOGICAL AND HIGH SPEED TURNING PERFORMANCE IN Ti_(1-x)Al_(x)N COATINGS PREPARED BY CLOSE-FIELD UNBALANCED MAGNETRON SPUTTERING

Titanium-aluminium-nitride(Ti_(1-x)Al_(x)N)coatings were deposited by close-field un balanced magnetron sputtering on M42 steel substrates and WC-6wt%Co inserts at 450℃.The tribological behavior was analyzed by sliding against steel and WC-6wt%Co balls,while the turning performance was evaluated by a conventional tu rning machine at high cutting speeds without using coolants.In the tribological tests,the formation of transfer layer and the variations of hardness of the co atings played an important role for sliding against steel balls.For the coating s sliding against WC-6wt%Co balls,the Ti-Al-N coatings showed a similar frictio n coefficient,but the TiN coating exhibited a lower value.The difference could be explained by the tri-oxidation wear mechanism.In the turning tests,a super ior cutting performance of the coating was found at x=0.45,which endured 38 min utes before the tool flank wear reached the maximum value of 0.3mm,whereas only 20 minutes were endured for the TiN coating.The excellent performance of the c oatings in the turning tests could be explained by the enhanced mechanical prope rties and oxidation/diffusion resistance of the coatings.

Experimental Study on Surface Deterioration of Hot Rolling Mill Rolls under Near Service Conditions

With specially designed hot rolling test equipment,the surface deterioration process of hot rolling mill rolls can be simulated and representative samples were obtained.Thus a series of micro-analyses can be done onto the sample's worn surface,including wear loss,worn surface morphology,wear mode,oxidation and other influences from environment conditions.A leading study has been done with a high chromium cast iron to show the rolling test conditions and the methodologies of follow-up investigations for all the above-mentioned micro-analyses.Primary results have shown that high chromium iron roll may undergo complex degrading mechanism,and most of them can be investigated with the help of this research method-

CARBON NITRIDE FILMS PREPARED AT DIFFERENT N_2/Ar RATIOS BY CLOSED FIELD UNBALANCED REACTIVE MAGNETRON SPUTTERING

Carbon nitride (CNx) thin films have been deposited onto Si(100) (for structural and mechanical analyses) and M42 high-speed-steel (for tribological measurement s) substrates at room temperature by closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputterin g. The mechanical and tribological properties of these films were highly depende nt on the N/C concentration ratio that was adjusted by the F(N2)/F(Ar) flow-rate ratio at fixed substrate biasing of -60V during deposition. The films were char acterized by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microsco py (AFM), nano-indentation measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman scattering and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, pin-on-dis c tribometer, scratch tester, and Rockwell-C tester. The results showed that the N content in the films increased with the N2 pressure. However, the maximum N/C ratio obtained was 0.25. The nanohardness was measured to be in the range of 11 .7-20.8GPa depending on the N/C ratios. The XPS N 1s spectra showed the existenc e of both N-C sp2 and N-C sp3 bonds in films. Raman and FTIR spectra exhibited t hat N-C bonds were fewer when compared to other N-C bonds. The friction coeffici ent of the film deposited onto steel substrate with N/C=0.26 was measured to be ~0.08 and for film with N/C=0.22 a high critical load of 70N was obtained. The t ribological data also showed that the wear rates of these films were in the rang e of ~10-16m3/Nm, indicating excellent wear resistance for CNx films.

Rheological,mechanical,thermal,tribological and morphological properties of PLA-PEKK-HAp-CS composite

The present study reports investigations on rheological,mechanical,thermal,tribological and morphological properties of feedstock filaments prepared with polylactic acid-polyether ketone ketone-hydroxyapatite-chitosan(PLA-PEKK-HAp-CS)composite for 3D printing of functional prototypes.The study consists of a series of melt processing operations on melt flow index(MFI)setup as per ASTM D-1238 for melt flow certainty followed by fixation of reinforcement composition/proportion as 94%PEKK-4%HAp-2%CS(B)by mass in PLA matrix(A).The blending of reinforcement and preparation of feedstock filament for fused deposition modeling(FDM)set up has been performed on commercial twin screw extruder(TSE).The results of study suggest that feedstock filaments prepared with blend of 95%A-5%B(by mass)at 200℃processing temperature and 100 r/min rotational speed on TSE resulted into better tensile properties(35.9 MPa peak strength and 32.3 MPa break strength)with 6.24%surface porosity,42.67 nm surface roughness(R_(a))and acceptable heat capacity(2.14 J/g).However as regards to tribological behavior,the minimum wear of 316μm was observed for sample with poor tensile properties.As regards to crash application for scaffolds the maximum toughness of 1.16 MPa was observed for 85%A-15%B(by mass)at 200℃processing temperature and 150 r/min rotational speed on TSE.

Study on Preparation and Engine Bench Test of Friction-Reducing and Repairing Additive to Lubricating Oils

A new kind of friction-reducing and repairing additive containing nano-scale copper and rare earth compounds were prepared by means of synthesis and compounding methods. The performance of the said additive was investigated by engine bench test, and was compared to the performance of similar domestic and imported additives. The deterioration of lube oils containing additives over different time intervals was studied by means of plasma spectrometry and mass spectrometry, and the effect of additive package on engine power was also studied. Test results have revealed that the synthetic additive package can provide good anti-wear performance to the tribo-pairs. In particular, after 300 hour application of the said additive package the connection rod shaft and copper sleeve showed 'zero wear' to achieve the in situ dynamic repairing of tribo-pairs. Application of the said synthetic additive can effectively improve the engine power performance and extend the engine service life.

Enhancing Wear Resistance of A356 Alloy by Adding CNFs Based on Ultrasonic Vibration Casting

A356–carbon nanofibers（CNFs） composites with different contents of CNFs were fabricated by ultrasonic vibration casting to investigate the effect of CNFs in the matrix on the mechanical properties and wear resistance. The worn surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy（SEM）. As the CNFs content was increased, strength,hardness and wear resistance were significantly enhanced and the coefficient of friction was extremely reduced. The nanocomposite containing 1.2 wt% of CNFs exhibited more than 109 HV in hardness and less than 0.35 in the coefficient of friction. Compared with the as-cast matrix, the wear rate of the optimal composite was less than one-third of the matrix sample and the microhardness exhibited about 47% enhancement of the matrix. Meanwhile, steadier and lower friction coefficient was also achieved by the composite. CNFs were observed to be either partially or fully crushed forming a carbon film that covered the surface and acted as a solid lubricant, enhancing the wear behavior significantly.

Effect of sliding speed on elevated-temperature wear behavior of AISI H13 steel

Elevated-temperature wear tests were performed on AISI H13 steel under 50 and 100 r/min at 400–600℃.Through examining the morphology,structure and composition of worn surfaces as well as the microhardness at subsurfaces,the wear mechanisms in various sliding conditions were explored.H13 steel exhibited totally different elevated-temperature wear behavior at two sliding speeds while the high sliding speed would seriously deteriorate its wear resistance.During sliding at two sliding speeds,the wear rate of H13 steel decreased first and then rose with the increase in temperature and the wear rate reached the lowest value(lower than 1×10^(–6)mm^(3)/mm)at 500℃and 50 r/min.The wear rate at 600℃was lower than that at 400℃for 50 r/min,but the wear rate at 600℃was higher than that at 400℃for 100 r/min(except for 50 N).At 50 r/min,the wear rate decreased first and then increased with the increase in load.However,at 100 r/min,the wear rate monotonically increased with increasing load and reached 33×10^(–6)mm^(3)/mm at 600℃and 150 N,where severe wear occurred.In the other sliding conditions,severe wear did not appear with wear rate lower than 5×10^(–6)mm^(3)/mm.Oxidative mild wear merely prevailed at 500℃and 50 r/min and oxidative wear appeared in the other sliding conditions except for 600℃and 150 N,where severe plastic extrusion wear prevailed.The effect of sliding speed on wear behavior was attributed to the changes of tribo-oxide layers.During elevated-temperature sliding,tribo-oxide particles were more readily retained to form protective tribo-oxide layers on worn surfaces at the lower sliding speed than at the higher sliding speed,so as to protect from wear.

Development of a novel cycling impact–sliding wear rig to investigate the complex friction motion

In many industrial devices, impact-sliding wear is caused by a variety of complex vibrations between the contacted interfaces. Under actual conditions, impact and sliding motions do not occur in only one direction, and different complex impact-sliding motions exist on the tribology surfaces. In this study, an impact-sliding wear test rig is developed to investigate the wear effect of different complex motions. Using this rig, multi-type impact-sliding wear effects are realized and measured, such as those derived from unidirectional, reciprocating, and multi-mode combination motions. These three types of impact–sliding wear running behavior are tested and the wear damage mechanism is discussed.