Intrinsic Correlation Between System Deformation and Friction Pair in Fretting Wear

Abstract This present study investigates the intrinsic correlation between the system deformation and friction pairs in fretting wear. A series of fretting tests are conducted using diverse friction pairs, including Si3N4/Ti6Al4V, Si3N4/Inconel 718, Si3N4/SUS 304, and Si3N4/brass, to elucidate their effects on the system deformation. By scrutinizing fretting loops, coefficients of friction (COFs), and stiffness characteristics, several pivotal insights emerge: (1) the COF for the Si3N4/brass friction pair consistently hovers between 0.10 and 0.12 under varying loads, markedly lower than those recorded for the other friction pairs under scrutiny; (2) a robust linear relationship is discerned between the system deformation and applied load within the gross slip regime for all friction pairs evaluated. This observation is congruent with findings reported in the extant literature; (3) the slope of the deformation–load relationship is intricately linked to the specific friction pair employed. Notably, a pronounced correlation is identified between this slope and the surface hardness of the mating material; and (4) the tangential contact stiffness is found to be contingent upon both the friction pair materials and the load applied, while the system stiffness is primarily dictated by the friction pair materials themselves. Based on the database of different friction pairs, it would be possible to predict the fretting loop of these given under new loads and displacements.