Wear evaluation of journal bearings using an adapted micro-scale abrasion tester

• Published in: Wear 2017-04, Vol.376-377 (PB), p.1841-1848
• Main Authors: Farfán-Cabrera, Leonardo Israel, Gallardo-Hernández, Ezequiel Alberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion tests; Aluminum; Bearings; Copper; Internal combustion engines; Journal bearings; Lubricants & lubrication; Lubricated wear; Personal protective equipment; Protective coatings; Scars; Silicon; Tin; Wear resistance; Wear testing; Wear tests
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2016.11.049

To determine the wear resistance of journal bearings (JB′s) under lubricated condition, this paper aims to provide an alternative method using an adapted TE-66 micro-scale abrasion tester which was adapted to generate accelerated lubricated wear on actual JB′s. Two actual JB′s with different coatings were investigated. The load (in the range 1–3N) and sliding distance (in the range 39.9–797.7m) were varied to see the wear progression. The wear scars were assessed by SEM and optical profilometry, which exhibited the common abrasive and adhesive mechanisms of actual JB′s. In the paper, test procedures and wear behaviors were analyzed in detail. Thus, according to the coatings from the JB′s characterized, the wear resistances found were: 9.06E+13N/m2 for Pb–Cu–Al, 1.02E+15N/m2 for Cu–Al, and 1.33E+14N/m2 for Sn–Al–Si. Finally, the tester demonstrated good adaptability to reproduce accelerated lubricated wear in JB′s. •Samples from actual JB′s were characterized under lubricated sliding conditions.•The adhesive wear behavior of two actual JB′s was studied.•An adapted micro-abrasion tester was employed for the testing.•The tester exhibited good adaptability to approach wear in lubricated contacts.•Elliptical wear scars with adhesive and abrasive wear features were obtained.