An Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Lubricant Properties on Temperature and Wear in Sliding Concentrated Contacts

Abstract

The study reported in this paper is undertaken to investigate the effect of some of the physical properties of lubricants on the contact temperature and wear in heavily loaded Hertzian Contacts under sliding conditions. The surface temperature and wear in a rotating mild steel shaft are measured under different loads applied by a Tungsten Carbide slider. The carbide tip and the shaft are used as part of a dynamic thermocouple system to monitor the contact temperature. Tests are conducted for Hertzian pressures ranging from 1250 to 2140 MPa (1.81×105 –3.10×105 psi) and sliding speeds from 0.4 to 1.3 m/sec (943–3142 in./min). Temperature and wear data are given from tests with a heavy duty oil (SAE 80W-90), a high viscosity residual compound, a vegetable oil, and water miscible cutting fluid (0.0476 percent emulsifiable oil by volume). The results show that, for the considered tests, viscosity does not appear to be the significant property of the lubricant temperature rise and wear rate as indicated by the scar depth under similar test conditions.