Measurements and Correlations of Slider Vibrations and Wear

Studies have shown that micro-vibrations (10–100 μm amplitude, 10 to 100 Hz) of a slider can reduce sliding wear 50 percent, especially rigid body rocking motions that continuously realign the slider face with respect to the counter surface. In this article, clearances between a carbon sample and its holder were varied while sliding over a slightly wavy (8 to 20 μm) steel surface. Undulations on the counter surface induced rigid body vibrations of the slider. Clearances between sample and holder kinematically restricted rigid body rocking motions of the slider: larger clearances permitted more rocking. Measured were motions of the slider, including translations normal to the counter surface, and rotations about axes parallel to the counter surface. Time traces of these displacements were plotted at different sliding speeds. Frequency content and kinetic energies for each measured degree of freedom and the total were extracted. We sought correlations between measured wear and vibration data. Fractional changes in wear rate versus fractional changes in total kinetic energy clustered about a straight line. From these measurements, we found a quantitative relationship between amount of wear and total kinetic energy of vibration. [S0742-4787(00)05001-3]