Friction And Worn Surface Topographical Features of As-Cast, Modified And Homogenized Aluminum-Silicon Alloys

Abstract

The coefficient of friction was experimentally calculated for aluminum-silicon alloys by connecting a strain gauge to the arm of pin-on-disc wear machine in order to take microstrain readings from the strain-meter. As-cast and modified aluminum-silicon alloys were thermally homogenized for long periods of time (1-40hr) in order to study the effect of homogenization on friction. Scanning electron microscopy was successfully used to build up the mechanism of surface damage during sliding. The results showed that the coefficient of friction was increased with increasing bearing pressure for as-cast, modified and homogenized aluminum-silicon alloys. Thermal homogenization led clearly to remarkable changes in the frictional behavior of as-cast and modified aluminum-silicon alloys. Many mechanisms were responsible for aluminum-silicon alloys surface damage during sliding.