Dynamic Friction Measurements, Especially for High Power Applications 2011-01-2373
Dynamic aspects in the understanding of friction are increasingly coming into focus. Therefore, test arrangements are required, which allow dynamic measurements as well, especially with defined and reproducible sliding speeds. In addition, investigations of vehicle brakes require high power. A simple, reliable measurement device, based on the pin-on-disc principle, that meets these requirements was developed and will be presented here.
This high load tribometer is based on a specially altered lathe. One key benefit of a lathe as a basic unit is the fact that the main mechanical part is standardized industrial equipment. Additional components and measuring devices can be integrated with little effort and great flexibility. The built-in 15kW AC motor and the embedded gearbox permit speeds and torques to the service areas of vehicle brakes, also of heavy duty vehicles and sports cars. The forces can be measured either with a 3-axes strain gauges sensor or a 3-axes piezoelectric sensor directly at the sample.
The high load tribometer is a suitable tool to investigate fundamental questions of tribology. It also allows investigations close to a full brake system under reproducible experimental conditions. With its high flexibility, many different tests are conceivable, e.q. friction tests under the influence of lubricants or the behavior under defined load or speed changes.
This paper introduces this new device and presents its design in detail. Some sample measurements under different conditions and a correlation with full scale brake dynamometer tests will be presented.
