TRIBOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ETCHED MILD STEEL SURFACE

Abstract

The technological age has complex machines used in the industries as well as in daily life. The problem of wear is likely to occur whenever there is relative motion between two mating surfaces resulting the dimensions of machine component are lost leading and finally failure of components. This causes hazardous effect on surfaces and breakdown of machine. Micro machined smooth and rough parts have high coefficient of friction in elasto hydrodynamic area. It requires micro level of roughness. It contains fluid which reduces friction. Through chemical etching the micro dimples are produced on the components which reduce the metal to metal contact and thus decreasing wear rate .In this research work hexagonal micro dimples have been produced on mild steel disc through chemical etching and subjected to tribological analysis through pin on disc test and found the significant improvement in the wear resistance. Wear test is performed by varying load and velocity of disc. The study shows that the wear rate first decreases and then increases. Coefficient of friction and friction force is determined and appropriate graph is obtained during relative motion between mating surfaces.