Abstract

An initial friction peak typically occurs in a dry self-mated quenched and tempered steel fretting contact in gross sliding conditions. The peak is related to adhesive friction and wear, which causes non-Coulomb friction. An early surface degradation including cracks may occur. To avoid such a peak, different media were studied using a flat-on-flat fretting test device with a large annular contact. All the media decreased the initial friction peak in comparison to the dry reference case, and in one series the peak was completely removed. The peak could often be delayed by lubrication. The steady-state coefficient of friction values mostly remained at similar levels to those of the dry contact, but decreased when oil was applied. Nevertheless, some surface damage occurred in every test, with varying amounts of wear.