Rolling ball tribometer

Abstract

This invention is directed to a tribological apparatus and method incorporating a ball, a support, and means for maintaining a substantially constant force between the ball and a test surface. The ball rolls against the rotating test surface producing a wear track. Analysis relating to wear and fatigue can be performed on the test surface subsequent to producing the wear track.

Description

technical field [0001] Functionally critical components like bearings, bearing races, valves, medical implants, gears, etc. are subject to abrasive or adhesive wear in service. In demanding applications, the performance of such components is directly related to the quality of the machined surface, including its surface finish, surface and subsurface hardness, and residual stress profile. However, the wear performance and fatigue life of components also depend on the working material composition, the microstructure of the original material and the heat treatment process, and likewise, pre-simulation of fatigue life is often full of inaccurate and oversimplified assumptions. Conducted actual wear or fatigue life testing is often the only true measure of component performance. [0002] Fatigue testing involves applying a specific device load (possibly zero) as well as alternating loads (axial, torsional, or flex) to the component under test and then recording the number of revol...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, both fatigue testing and rolling contact wear testing are extremely time-consuming, expensive, and require specialized testing equipment

Also, component testing is usually limited to standard samples rather than actual components

Pin and dial testing is rarely used for functional critical components and most are limited to teaching and qualitative measurements

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