Search

High-temperature wear tests on molybdenum–tungsten–vanadium steel were conducted using a universal mechanical high-temperature friction and wear testing machine. The experimental results reveal the evolutionary mechanism of high-temperature friction in the oxide layer of the steel. The oxidation wear of the test steel occurred at 700 °C with the evolution of characteristic monolayer tribo-oxidation layers on the frictional surface. The frictional oxide underwent oxide initiation - lateral growth of massive oxide - formation of frictional oxide layer - local intrusion of oxide layer into substrate - local penetration of oxide lateral growth contact. The frictional oxide evolutionary process was accompanied by a shedding of the frictional oxide surface. Carbides in the test steel prevented the tribo-oxidation layer from invading the matrix. The unique evolutionary characteristics of the tribo-oxidation layer are essential factors affecting the mechanism of maintaining slight oxidative wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safe and efficient torque transmission of wet disk clutch systems requires high coefficients of friction. To achieve good controllability and high comfort, a positive slope of the coefficient of friction over sliding velocity is ensured by a reasonable formulation of the lubricant and choice of the friction pairing. This results in low transmittable torque at low sliding velocities. Thus, the occurrence of unwanted micro-slip in dynamic operation modes must be considered for the design of safety-relevant clutch systems. This work presents a methodology for the holistic measurement of the friction behavior of wet disk clutches. It is suitable for numerous applications and supports a sound understanding of frictional properties in the range of sliding velocities occurring in brake shifts through forced slip operation down to static torque transmission. The experimental determination of the holistic friction behavior is crucial for developing optimized design guidelines for modern clutch systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work focuses on the friction coefficient for various geotextile sandbag structures especially dikes under different conditions. Based on the review of existing investigations there are several gaps to close. Former investigations do not include the whole scope of needed surfaces and conditions. Especially the friction coefficients for polypropylene and even for jute as material mainly used for small geotextile sandbags are not fully available. Additionally, the influence of the surface moisture is not consequently investigated, particularly for jute. Due to this, eleven test series (three with sandbag on sandbag configuration and eight with sandbag on ground surface) with 780 single readings are finalized. In comparison to former studies there are results for surface combinations of good harmonization and those with differences. A comparison of the earlier studies already shows different results Summarized it can be stated that the presented results are representative friction coefficients for calculation of realistic sandbag structures e. g., sandbag dikes or spring cascades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straightforward design and long-term functionality for tribological considerations has prompted an extensive substitution of polymers for metals across various applications, from industrial machinery to medical devices. Lubrication of and by polymer gels/coatings, essential for ensuring the cost-effective operation and reliability of applications, has gained strong momentum by benefiting from the structural characteristics of natural lubrication systems (such as articular cartilage). The optimal synthetic strategy for lubricating polymer gels/coatings would be a holistic approach, wherein the lubrication mechanism in relation to the structural properties offers a pathway to design tailor-made materials. This review considers recent synthesis strategies for creating lubricating polymer gels/coatings from the molecular level (including polymer brushes, loops, microgels, and hydrogels), and assessing their frictional properties, as well as considering the underlying mechanism of their lubrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants such as Galium aparine show directional gripping to various surfaces because of their microscale hook structures. A bio‐inspired artificial version of microhooks holds potential as a bidirectional, reversible, and reusable dry adhesive for soft, wet, or fibrous substrates such as skin or textiles. However, current methods for fabricating 3D structures are often costly, time‐consuming, or require precise alignment steps. Herein, a facile, cost‐effective, scalable, and unconventional microfabrication technique is proposed using tilted photolithography on a rotary stage and shear molding to fabricate a soft polydimethylsiloxane polymer mold containing the inverse replica of directional microneedle structures. To demonstrate the proof‐of‐concept, polyurethane is then added to the mold to obtain directional microneedles, referred to as microhooks. Friction force measurements using a nanotribometer show anisotropic performance (strong attachment in one direction and easy detachment in the opposite direction over multiple cycles) similar to the natural microhooks. Tribological characterization of the microhooks shows a gripping force 2.25 times greater than the sliding force. The fabricated microhook structures also provide an adhesion force of ≈0.62 N cm−2 to artificial skin. This biomimetic approach promises precise adhesion control and material versatility for attaching wearable devices and patches to the skin in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The floating-element (FE) principle, introduced nearly a century ago, remains one of the most versatile direct wall shear stress measurement methods. Yet, its intrinsic sources of systematic error, associated with the flow-exposed gap, off-axis load sensitivity, and calibration, have thus far limited its widespread application. In combination with the lack of standard designs and testing procedures, measurement reliability still hinges heavily on individual judgement and expertise. This paper presents a framework to curb these limitations, whereby the design and operation of a FE balance are leveraged by an analytical model that attempts to capture the behaviour and predict the relative contribution of the systematic sources of error. The design is based on a parallel-shift linkage and a zero-displacement force-feedback system. The FE has a surface area of 200 × 200 mm, and measurement sensitivity is adjustable depending on the surface condition and the Reynolds number. It is thus suitable for application in a wide range of low-speed, boundary-layer wind tunnels, small or large scale. Measurements of the skin friction coefficient over a smooth wall show a remarkable agreement with oil-film interferometry, especially for Re θ > 1.3 × 10 4 . The discrepancy relative to the empirical Coles–Fernholz relation ( κ = 0.39 and C = 4.352 ) is within 0.5 %, and the level of uncertainty is below 1 % for a confidence interval of 95 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two stress regime‐dependent creep constitutive equations, that is, two‐regime Norton (2RN) model and Sin‐hyperbolic (Sinh) model, are adopted to numerically investigate the influence of constitutive equation and friction on the measurement of steady‐state creep strain rate based on five types small specimens. Results show that the influence of constitutive equation and friction depends strongly on the type of small specimen. A measurement error of more than 19 times may occur if the 2RN model is used, while the use of the Sinh model is able to generate a consistently lower measurement error. Of all small specimens, the cantilever beam testing (CaBT) is revealed to exhibit the best comprehensive performance in terms of measurement error and response to friction. To validate numerical findings, creep tests on the CaBT specimen of P91 steel are conducted at 600°C. Finally, recommendations on the choice of small specimen for obtaining creep strain rate are made. Highlights: Sinh model is better in describing stress regime‐dependent creep behavior.Influence of friction is strongly dependent on the type of small specimen.Small cantilever beam testing has the best comprehensive performance.Attention should be paid to selecting the constitutive equation and specimen type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a study of oil lip seals with a modified outer lip layer texture. In the first step, the interaction of flat rubber samples with different surface layer textures with the steel surface was recognised. Measurements of the friction coefficient of flat samples with different surface layer textures were carried out. The next step was an experimental study of rotating shaft lip seals in standard and prototype versions. The contact width of the sealing lip before and after durability tests was examined, and the clamping force of the lip on the shaft before and after durability tests was measured. The final step was to create a FEM model of the interaction of the sealing ring lip with the shaft to determine the lip seal pressure and width. These calculations, in cooperation with the previously determined friction coefficient and porosity of the lip seal, allowed the calculation of the friction torque. The solution proposed in this article was intended to be simple and viable for industrial applications. Satisfactory results were achieved with prototype rings in terms of reduced resistance to movement, tightness, and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the wetting and spreading of microdroplets is key to technologies such as microfluidics, ink‐jet printing, and surface coating. Contact angle goniometry is commonly used to characterize surface wetting by droplets, but the technique is ill‐suited for high contact angles close to 180° $180^\circ $. Here, we attach a micrometric‐sized droplet to an atomic force microscope cantilever to directly quantify droplet–solid friction on different surfaces (superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic) with sub‐nanonewton force resolutions. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach by performing friction measurements using different liquids (water and oil droplets) and under different ambient environments (in air and underwater). Finally, we show that underwater superoleophobic surfaces can be qualitatively different from superhydrophobic surfaces: droplet–solid friction is highly sensitive to droplet speeds for the former but not for the latter surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ultra-precision equipment, nanoscale rough surface contact widely exists, and the adhesion between interfaces has become a critical component in researching the friction phenomenon. However, adhesion is not considered in traditional friction models. In this study, the adhesion model between fractal contact surfaces is established by proposing the critical truncated area of adhesion, a c u t ′ , and a new friction model considering adhesion is established by combining with the traditional model. The present model shows that adhesion increases as the fractal dimension (D) increases or the surface roughness coefficient (G) decreases when contact occurs between nanoscale rough surfaces. The friction coefficient calculated based on the new model is larger than that of the traditional model, especially when G is small. In addition, a static friction force measurement system was built by using the reticle and vacuum chuck in the lithography system. The experimental system measured the maximum static friction between the chuck and the reticle under different normal loads, and the experimental results show that the new model proposed in this paper is more accurate in characterizing the static friction of nanoscale rough surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex dynamics of tribofilm formation on boundary-lubricated steel surfaces were investigated in real time by combining in situ measurements of the temporal variation of the coefficient of friction and contact voltage. Sliding experiments were performed with various blends consisting of base oil, zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) additive, and two different dispersants at an elevated oil temperature for a wide range of normal load and fixed sliding speed. The evolution of the transient and steady-state coefficient of friction, contact voltage, and critical sliding distance (time) for stable tribofilm formation were used to evaluate the tribological performance of the tribofilms. The blend composition affected the load dependence of the critical sliding distance for stable tribofilm formation. Tribofilm friction was influenced by competing effects between the additive and the dispersants. Among various formulations examined, the tribofilm with the best friction characteristics was found to be the blend consisting of base oil, a small amount of ZDDP, and a bis-succinimide dispersant treated with ethylene carbonate. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the present experimental approach to track the formation and removal of protective tribofilms under boundary lubrication conditions in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraprecision positioning to better than nanometer in accuracy is of a great interest in various applications. The paper reports on recent pre-rolling experimental measurements of the moment friction during the phase of pre-rolling, i.e., at the start and at the finish. To discuss the case properly, the experiments are set for pure rolling without any external effect nor any slippage at the contact patch. The pendulum was designed to secure pure pre-rolling without slippage. Beside the fact that the experiments have shown extremely low values of rolling coefficients in the order of (× 10–7), it is possible to establish the appearance of real hysteresis curves showing the dependance of the friction moment on the displacement. The sensitivity of the measurement of rolling friction moments is in the order of 10–10 Nm, the measurement error does not exceed 10% with 125 nm minimum displacement of the ball peel adhesion density evaluated as 2.2 × 10–4 J/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superlubricity provides a novel approach to addressing friction and wear issues in mechanical systems. However, little is known regarding improving the atomic force microscope (AFM) friction coefficient measurement resolution. Accordingly, this study established the theoretical formula for the AFM friction coefficient measurement and deduced the measurement resolution. Then, the formula was applied to the AFM probe with a rectangular cross-section cantilever. The measurement resolution is associated with the dimensional properties of the AFM probe, the mechanical properties of the cantilever material, the properties of the position-sensitive detector (PSD), and probably the anti-vibration performance of the AFM. It is feasible to make the cantilever as short as possible and the tip as high as possible to improve the measurement resolution. An AFM probe for measuring an ultra-low friction coefficient was designed and fabricated. The cantilever's length, width, and thickness are 50, 35, and 0.6 µm, respectively. The tip height is 23 µm. The measurement resolution can reach 7.1×10−6 under the maximum normal force. Moreover, the AFM probe was applied to measure the superlubricity between graphene layers. The friction coefficient is 0.00139 under 853.08 nN. This work provides a promising method for measuring a ∼10−5 friction coefficient of superlubricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting mechanical fatigue of metallic components is always a challenge in industries. In this work, we proposed to monitor the low-cycle fatigue of a 6061 aluminum alloy based on internal friction (IF) measurement, which is realized by a quantitative electromechanical impedance (Q-EMI) method using a small piezoelectric wafer bonded on the specimen. Large stress amplitude (230 MPa) was employed in the testing; thus, the fatigue life can always be below 105 cycles. It was found that except for the initial testing stage, the IF always increases steadily with the increasing fatigue cycles. Before the fatigue failure, the IF can reach 2.5–3.4 times the initial value, which is thought to be caused by the micro-cracks forming and growing. In comparison, the resonance frequency of the specimen just drops by about 2% compared with the initial value. Finally, a fatigue criterion based on IF measurement is suggested for aluminum alloys and it can also be extended to other metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the repeatability of locked-wheel skid trailer (LWST) and sideway-force coefficient routine investigation machine (SCRIM) measurements and investigate the influences of test speed and test temperature on the friction measurements. This study selected 14 test sections from the NCAT Test Track with different surface texture and friction characteristics. The LWST and SCRIM tests were conducted at different test speeds and test times (or temperatures) on the two consecutive days. The repeatability analysis indicates that both LWST skid number (SN) and SCRIM reading (SR) measurements were most repeatable at a test speed of 50 mph and tangent section. The SN measured in the late afternoon and SR measured at noon were more repeatable than those measured at other times. This study recommended an acceptable precision of friction measurement be within 2.5 SN or 3 SR units. In addition, this study concluded that the SN and SR had a good linear correlation. The statistical regression analysis demonstrates that test speed, air temperature, pavement mean profile depth, and pavement type were significant variables affecting asphalt pavement friction. The developed regression models for SN and SR were helpful to correct the friction measurements to a reference speed or temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The mechanical condition and tactile evaluation of skin are essential for the development of skin care products. Most of the existing commercial instruments and studies aim to evaluate the skin surface by pressing it for hardness or by using imaging sensors, but there have been few instrumental measurements employing rubbing motion. Here, we have developed a sensor specialized for tactile sensation and the contact phenomenon during skin rubbing. Methods: The developed sensor has three features: It can measure body parts including cheeks and arms, automate the rubbing motion of the probe and measure vibration and friction simultaneously. It is hand‐held, with metal probes that rub the skin surface while rotating under a motor drive; it has an accelerometer and a force sensor beneath the probe measuring vibration and friction forces. To evaluate the validity of the sensor's measurements, artificial skin models were measured using the developed sensor and commercially available sensors and the results were compared. The relationship between the sensor output, surface roughness measurement and sensory evaluation was also investigated. Additionally, we evaluated the inter‐rater reliability when measuring actual skin. Results: The measurements of five artificial skin models with different surface shapes showed a high correlation (r = 0.99) between the vibration intensity values evaluated by the developed sensor and those measured by a tri‐axial acceleration sensor attached to a fingernail. The correlation coefficient between the vibration intensity values and surface roughness was r = 0.91, and the correlation with the sensory evaluation score of roughness was r = 0.99. The friction coefficients measured by the developed sensor and the force plate had r = 0.93, based on measurements of five artificial skin models with different friction conditions. The inter‐rater correlation coefficients between the three participants of the developed sensor were as high as 0.92 and 0.94 for the vibration and friction measurements respectively. Conclusion: The vibration intensities and friction coefficients from the sensor were highly correlated with those of the conventional sensor. The inter‐rater reliability was also high. The developed sensor can be useful for tactile evaluation in skin‐care product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If road friction coefficients can be measured in real time, the performance of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADASs), such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and automatic braking systems, can be improved. Generally, ADASs use information obtained from wheel speed sensors and acceleration sensors. However, it is difficult to accurately measure the road friction coefficients using these sensors. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to measure road friction coefficients using strains at the inside surface of a tire tread, which are the only places that ground road surfaces. However, sensors installed on the inside surface of a tire tread, where significant deformation occurs locally because of protrusions on road surfaces, can easily be peeled off or damaged. Therefore, this study investigated a method for measuring road friction coefficients using strains on the sidewalls of the tires. If the sidewalls of tires are used instead, stable measurements can be expected because the sidewalls of tires are harder to deform locally compared with the inside surface of a tire tread. First, using an experimental device that simulates the complete slip state of a tire, we measured the relationship between the triaxial direction loads acting on the ground surface of the tire and the strain induced on the sidewall of the tire. Subsequently, we established experimental formulas that express the relationship and devised methods for measuring the road friction coefficient. It was confirmed that the friction coefficients of multiple friction surfaces, even under triaxial direction loads, could be accurately measured using the proposed method. In conclusion, the proposed method was confirmed to be able to measure the load acting on a tire and friction coefficient of the tire grounding surface at low speeds and under full-slip conditions. • We proposed a measurement method for road friction coefficient by using strains on a tire sidewall. • The strain on the sidewall is confirmed to vary almost linearly concerning three-axis loads acting on a tire. • Three-axis loads and road friction coefficient can be obtained from sidewall-strain at three different tire rotation angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries for all ages, and for fatal injuries in adults over 65 years. Various factors, such as floor surface conditions and contaminants, shoe tread patterns, and gait behavior, affect the slip risk. Moreover, the friction between the shoe outsoles and the floor continuously changes as their surfaces undergo normal wear over time. However, continuous assessment of slip resistance is very challenging with conventional measurement techniques. This study addresses this challenge by introducing a novel approach that combines sensor fusion technology and machine learning techniques to create intelligent insoles designed for fall risk prediction. In addition, a state-of-the-art slip simulator, capable of mimicking the foot's motion during a slip, was developed and utilized for the assessment of slipperiness between various shoes and floor surfaces. Data acquisition involved the collection of pressure data and three-axial accelerations using instrumented shoe insoles, complemented by friction coefficient measurements via the slip simulator. The collected dataset includes four types of shoes, three floor surfaces, and four surface conditions, including dry, wet, soapy, and oily. After preprocessing of the collected dataset, the simulator was used to train five different machine learning algorithms for slip risk classification. The trained algorithms provided promising results for slip risk prediction for different conditions, offering the potential to be employed in real-time slip risk prediction and safety enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Contact angle and sliding angle measurements are widely used to characterize superhydrophobic surfaces because of the simplicity and accessibility of the technique. We hypothesize that dynamic friction measurements, with increasing pre-loads, between a water drop and a superhydrophobic surface is more accurate because this technique is less influenced by local surface inhomogeneities and temporal surface changes. A water drop, held by a ring probe which is connected to a dual-axis force sensor, is sheared against a superhydrophobic surface while maintaining a constant preload. From this force-based technique, static and kinetic friction forces measurements are used to characterize the wetting properties of the superhydrophobic surfaces. Furthermore, by applying increased pre-loads to the water drop while shearing, the critical load at which the drop transitions from the Cassie-Baxter to Wenzel state is also measured. The force-based technique predicts sliding angles with reduced standard deviations (between 56 and 64%) compared to conventional optical-based measurements. Kinetic friction force measurements show a higher accuracy (between 35 and 80%) compared to static friction force measurements in characterizing the wetting properties of superhydrophobic surfaces. The critical loads for the Cassie-Baxter to Wenzel state transition allows for stability characterization between seemingly similar superhydrophobic surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review reports on the influencing parameters on the joining parts quality of tools and techniques applied for conducting process analysis and optimizing the friction stir welding process (FSW). The important FSW parameters affecting the joint quality are the rotational speed, tilt angle, traverse speed, axial force, and tool profile geometry. Data were collected corresponding to different processing materials and their process outcomes were analyzed using different experimental techniques. The optimization techniques were analyzed, highlighting their potential advantages and limitations. Process measurement techniques enable feedback collection during the process using sensors (force, torque, power, and temperature data) integrated with FSW machines. The use of signal processing coupled with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms produced better weld quality was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straightforward design and long-term functionality for tribological considerations has prompted an extensive substitution of polymers for metals across various applications, from industrial machinery to medical devices. Lubrication of and by polymer gels/coatings, essential for ensuring the cost-effective operation and reliability of applications, has gained strong momentum by benefiting from the structural characteristics of natural lubrication systems (such as articular cartilage). The optimal synthetic strategy for lubricating polymer gels/coatings would be a holistic approach, wherein the lubrication mechanism in relation to the structural properties offers a pathway to design tailor-made materials. This review considers recent synthesis strategies for creating lubricating polymer gels/coatings from the molecular level (including polymer brushes, loops, microgels, and hydrogels), and assessing their frictional properties, as well as considering the underlying mechanism of their lubrication.

Efforts to enhance quality control (QC) practices in chip seal construction have predominantly relied on single surface friction metrics such as mean profile depth (MPD) or friction number. These metrics assess chip seal quality by targeting issues such as aggregate loss or excessive bleeding, which may yield low friction numbers or texture depths. However, aggregate loss, particularly due to snowplow operations, does not always result in slippery conditions and may lead to uneven surfaces. The correlation between higher MPD or friction number and superior chip seal quality is not straightforward. This research introduces an innovative machine learning-based approach to enhance chip seal QC. Using a hybrid DBSCAN-Isolation Forest model, anomaly detection was conducted on a dataset comprising 183,794 20 m MPD measurements from actual chip seal projects across six districts in Indiana. This resulted in typical 20 m segment MPD ranges of [0.9 mm, 1.9 mm], [0.6 mm, 2.1 mm], [0.3 mm, 1.3 mm], [1.0 mm, 1.7 mm], [0.6 mm, 1.9 mm], and [1.0 mm, 2.3 mm] for the respective six districts in Indiana. A two-step QC procedure tailored for chip seal evaluation was proposed. The first step calculated outlier percentages across 1-mile segments, with an established limit of 25% outlier segments per wheel track. The second step assessed unqualified rates across projects, setting a threshold of 50% for unqualified 1-mile wheel track segments. Through validation analysis of four chip seal projects, both field inspection and friction measurements closely aligned with the proposed methodology's results. The methodology presented establishes a foundational QC standard for chip seal projects, enhancing both acceptance efficiency and safety by using a quantitative method and minimizing the extended presence of practitioners on roadways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new friction measurement system was developed to investigate piston ring friction in detail based on the floating liner method. Unlike the conventional floating liner experiments, an extended piston was adopted for the conventional crank-piston system to minimize friction from a piston lateral motion. The interaction between piston skirt and liner caused by piston thrust force can be excluded with the new measurement system. Therefore, a parametric study for the only piston ring friction can be possible. In this study, the experiments were conducted under both motoring and firing conditions. The oil temperature was changed to observe the effect of the oil viscosity on the piston ring friction. The friction data showed good agreement with the Stribeck curve for the engine speed, in-cylinder pressure, and oil temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction is one of the key factors in the manufacture of ropes, and has an important influence on the mechanical behavior of many fiber assemblies. For this reason, the understanding and the evaluation of the coefficients of friction between fibers is an essential step in the development of numerical rope models. This paper describes tests on a modified, upscaled version of the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard yarn-on-yarn abrasion test device, which allows measurement of the friction coefficient between polyamide rope yarns. It is shown that the inter-fiber angle has a significant influence on the friction coefficient, and the direction of movement relative to the filament has to be considered in the determination of this coefficient. A normalized representation allows friction coefficients measured for a range of test conditions to be plotted on a single curve. The abrasion test device allows the friction coefficient to be measured throughout abrasion tests. It is concluded that lower friction leads to higher abrasion resistance and longer lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat transfer and pressure drops characterization of air and CO2 through smooth and rough micro tubes are investigated experimentally. Nine smooth stainless steel micro tubes with inner diameters of 50, 80, 100, 250, 300, 400, 800, 900, and 950 μm, and six rough micro tubes with inner surface roughness are tested in the present study to characterize the friction factors, the pressure drops, the heat transfer Nusselt numbers, and evaluating the surface temperature on the wall of the micro tubes. It was observed that heat transfer Nusselt numbers on smooth micro tubes fitted well with the conventional correlations of the Gnielinski' (Gnielinski in Int J Chem Eng 16:359–368, 1976) correlation, the Dittus-Boelter' (Dittus and Boelter in Univ Cali Berkeley Publ Eng 2(13):443–461, 1930) correlation, and the Petukhov' (Petukhov and Kirillov in Teploeenergetica 4(4):63–68, 1958) correlation. Moreover, the test results of the friction factors were in a very good agreement of the Gnielinski' (Gnielinski in Int J Chem Eng 16:359–368, 1976) correlation, and Blasius' (Blasius in Forschg. Arb. Ing. -Wes, pp 131–137, 1913) equation in both laminar and turbulent regions, except for the micro tubes in the range of 50~100 μm. However, for the rough micro tubes, the test results scattered above the standard predictions of the Filonenko' (Filonenko in All Union Thermotechnical Institute, 1948) correlation. The test results showed that the heat transfer enhancement of the fabricated smooth surface micro tubes is better than that of the structural rough surface micro tubes. It was also observed that the transition regime occurred at Re of approximately 1,500~2,000 due to the increase in surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fuel tank of the advanced heavy launch vehicle is made of 2219 aluminum alloy with a thickness of 18 mm. Friction stir welding (FSW) technology is used to achieve the welding of the fuel tank. The increase of thickness directly affects welding temperature field, which ultimately affects the welding quality. At present, the temperature distribution law of FSW thick 2219 aluminum alloy is still blank, which is a bottleneck to ensure high welding quality. In this paper, a temperature field measurement and analyses system based on K-type thermocouple and LabVIEW for friction stir welding is developed first. Then experiments are carried out and the temperature data in welding and thickness directions are measured and the temperature law is analyzed. The comparison of temperature distribution of FSW thick and thin 2219 aluminum alloy is made, and the influence of welding thickness on the temperature field is studied. Based on temperature field, weld strength and microstructure, the influence of different process parameters on welding quality is explored. The research results lay a foundation for optimization of the welding process parameters and realization of constant temperature control of FSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rotary shaft seals have been used successfully in many industrial applications for decades, their tribological behavior is still not completely understood. In-depth knowledge of the structural mechanics is essential for the design and optimization of such sealing systems. High complexity results from the multiscale interactions in the tribological system rotary shaft seal. Large macroscopic deformations occur due to the hyperelastic material behavior of elastomers coupled with microscopic tangential distortions of the sealing edge surface in the contact area. This paper includes both numerical and experimental studies on the tribological behavior of rotary shaft seals. A multiscale finite element model provides the simulation of the macroscopic deformations and the microscopic displacements. A test rig equipped with a hollow glass shaft enables in situ visual contact analyses, qualitative determinations of pressure distributions and quantitative measurements of elastomer surface distortions. The optical phenomenon of frustrated total internal reflection enables qualitative evaluations of the pressure distribution. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is employed to quantify the tangential distortions. The test rig enables the measurement of the friction torque with the same configuration. The results of the numerical and experimental investigations for the radial load, friction torque and tangential distortions are compared and discussed. This serves to validate the simulation methods and the correlation of the measured parameters. This finally results in a solid and validated basis for further tribological investigations of rotary shaft seals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavement skid resistance measurement is a fundamental component of roadway management and maintenance. Most traditional approaches rely on manual operations or heavy devices, which lead to a labor‐intensive, inefficient, and vulnerable testing environment. Precise laser scanning technology lays a solid foundation for effective and continuous pavement friction measurement. This paper proposed an automated pavement friction estimation model using 3D point cloud data and a deep neural network. The fine‐grained texture data of over 800 pavement sections with various anti‐skidding abilities were collected. The impact of the multi‐scale textures on pavement friction was separated and analyzed via two‐dimensional wavelet decomposition. A multi‐input fusion network with deep aggregation modules was designed to fuse the features of sub‐images generated by wavelet decomposition. The results show that the average prediction error is 0.0935, outperforming most state‐of‐the‐art models. The impact of different texture scales on friction estimation is then revealed. The proposed method provides a new tool for effective and large‐scale pavement friction evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the lack of accurate and reliable discrete element simulation parameters for the design of buckwheat metering devices and seeders based on the discrete element simulation method, an accurate buckwheat seed model was obtained by calibrating the discrete element simulation parameters. In this study, buckwheat seed particle models were established based on the manual and automatic filling methods. In order to improve the accuracy of the models, discrete element simulation parameters were calibrated, and the static cylinder-lifting test and dynamic seed-metering test were used to verify the simulation results. A 3D model of buckwheat seed was obtained using the CT scanning method, and a manual filling 7-sphere particle model and an automatic filling multi-sphere particle model were established. The physical parameters and contact parameters were measured using the uniaxial compression test, the drop test, and the friction coefficient measurement test. The Plackett–Burman test and steepest ascent path were used to obtain the optimal parameter combination based on the static cylinder-lifting test. We conducted dynamic seed-metering tests using the two particle models under the optimal parameter combination. The results show that, compared with the measured values of stacking angle, the relative errors of the simulation values of the manual filling 7-sphere and automatic filling 36-sphere particle models are 1.04% and 0.50%, respectively. When the rotation speed range of the seeding wheel is 20~60 r/min, the average relative errors between the simulated value and the measured value are 15.85% and 4.69%, respectively. When the effective working length range of the seeding wheel is 20~40 mm, the average relative errors between the simulated value and the measured value are 22.18% and 9.07%, respectively. Regardless of whether the manual filling 7-sphere or the automatic filling 36-sphere particle model of buckwheat seed was used for static motion parameter simulation or dynamic motion simulation, the automatic filling 36-sphere particle model has a higher accuracy. The buckwheat seed particle model established in this study will provide support for the design of buckwheat special seed-metering devices and improve the quality of buckwheat mechanized sowing operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of reciprocating friction pairs in low-speed marine diesel engines has an important impact on the economy, stability, and safety of the ship operation, which deserves special attention. However, the available research is very limited. In this article, a new tribodynamics modeling method and an online measurement method for friction force are proposed. The friction force is simulated and verified by experiments. Based on the principle of multibody dynamics and mixed lubrication theory, a tribodynamic model coupling the reciprocating friction pairs (piston assembly–cylinder liner, piston rod–stuffing box, and crosshead slipper–guide) is first established. The friction force and dynamics are theoretically analyzed. Then a friction measurement method, which can measure the friction force of reciprocating friction pairs under engine firing conditions, is developed and used to verify the simulation. By comparison, it is found that the simulated friction is in good agreement with the experimental one. The results show that the crosshead slipper and piston assembly have obvious secondary motion, which will affect the vibration and noise of the engine. The friction force of the piston assembly is much higher than that of other reciprocating friction pairs. Improving the lubrication state near the top dead center of the piston assembly is of great significance to reduce the friction loss of the low-speed marine engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the influence of a nominal bearing clearance on the lift-off behaviour and the load-carrying capacity of gas polymer bearings (GPBs) is investigated. For this purpose, an experimental study with five different bearing gap configurations and a range of static loads is carried out. Furthermore, the test rig for the clearance and friction torque measurements is illustrated and discussed from a practical point of view. The experimental gap measurement results of all the bearing configurations and the method used are explained and discussed. Finally, the friction torque during the lift-off and run-up phases is measured for a range of static loads. A method that uses the time derivative of the measured friction torque during the run-up tests as a criterion for the lift-off detection is explained and applied to the measured data. The results of this study indicate that there are large differences between the most studied bump-type and gas polymer bearings in terms of the dependence of the load-carrying capacity on the bearing gap. Furthermore, the recorded effects are described, and possible explanations are given. Finally, the differences in characteristics from those of bump-type bearings are described and their importance for the design process of rotors supported in GPBs is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical behaviour of materials can be described by a phenomenological relationship that binds strain to stress, by the complex modulus function: M (ω) , which represents the frequency response of the medium in which a transverse mechanical wave is propagated. From the experimental measurements of the internal friction obtained when varying the frequency of a transverse mechanical wave, the parameters that characterize the complex module are determined. The internal friction or loss tangent is bound to the dissipation of the specific mechanical energy. The non-equilibrium thermodynamics theory leads to a general description of irreversible phenomena such as relaxation and viscosity that can coexist in a material. Through the state variables introduced by Ciancio and Kluitenberg, and applying the fractional calculation due to a particular memory mechanism, a model of a viscoanelastic medium is obtained in good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical products are becoming more diversified with the continuous development of precision processing and materials technologies. The friction force generated by the O-ring seal in a hydraulic cylinder was once considered redundant. However, its utilization has recently been proposed. The hardness of the O-ring and the inner diameter of its groove directly affect the normal pressure between the O-ring and the inner wall of the cylinder, thereby affecting the friction behavior. In order to explore this friction behavior, a strain-based friction force measurement system is developed in this study, and the steady-state and dynamic friction values under different working conditions are studied and discussed in depth. This research on the friction behavior in the cylinder provides a theoretical basis for more convenient design and utilization of the friction force generated between the O-ring and the inner wall of the cylinder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-plane grinding plays an important role in the processing of high-precision flat parts. A double-side autonomous grinding (DSAG) method was proposed and investigated to improve the uniformity of the abrasive grains of the grinding disc on the surface of the workpiece by releasing the constraints on the workpiece. In DSAG, the main driving force of workpiece movement comes from the friction force generated by the relative movement of the upper and lower grinding pads. Experiment of dynamic friction coefficient measurement between workpiece and grinding plates is carried out to take into account the differences of dynamic friction factor under different speed and force conditions. A mathematical model of the relative motion trajectory between the particles on the upper and lower plate and the workpiece is established based on kinematics and dynamics theories. Then, the effects of the linkage mode of the lower plate, grinding pressure, and speed ratio of the upper and lower plates on the frequency and direction uniformity of the grinding trajectory of the abrasive particles on the workpiece surface are simulated and analyzed. Aiming at the trajectory uniformity, the grinding parameters are optimized through orthogonal experiment and verified on the independently developed experimental platform. The flatness and roughness of the workpiece are detected. The results show that the DSAG performs well in obtaining the better roughness and flatness of the workpiece surface than that of planetary grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of atomic-force-microscopy-based friction measurements on Re-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). In stark contrast to the widespread observation of decreasing friction with increasing number of layers on two-dimensional (2D) materials, friction on Re-doped MoS2 exhibits an anomalous, i.e. inverse, dependence on the number of layers. Raman spectroscopy measurements combined with ab initio calculations reveal signatures of Re intercalation. Calculations suggest an increase in out-of-plane stiffness that inversely correlates with the number of layers as the physical mechanism behind this remarkable observation, revealing a distinctive regime of puckering for 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reveal some aspects and proposals for improving the statistical learn of the measured friction coefficient values, research on the effect of climatic parameters(humidity, temperature of the contact surface) on the friction coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hysteretic friction behavior has been observed on varied 2D nanofilms. However, no unanimous conclusion has yet been drawn on to the exact mechanism or relative contribution of each mechanism to the observed behavior. Here we report on hysteretic friction behavior of supported atomically thin nanofilms studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Load dependent friction measurements were conducted on unheated and heated samples of graphene, h-BN, and MoS2 supported by silica substrates. Two diverging friction trends are reported: the unheated samples showed higher friction during unloading than during loading, and the heated samples showed a reversed hysteresis. Further, the friction force increased sub-linearly with normal force for heated samples, compared with unheated samples. Tapping mode AFM suggested that the interaction strength of the substrate was increased with heating. Roughened substrates in the MD simulations that mimicked strong/weak interaction forces reproduced the experimental observations and revealed that the evolution of real contact area in different interface interaction situation caused the diverging behaviors. Surface roughness and interaction strength were found to be the key parameters for controlling the out-of-plane deformation of atomically thin nanofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of atomic-force-microscopy-based friction measurements on Re-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). In stark contrast to the widespread observation of decreasing friction with increasing number of layers on two-dimensional (2D) materials, friction on Re-doped MoS2 exhibits an anomalous, i.e. inverse, dependence on the number of layers. Raman spectroscopy measurements combined with ab initio calculations reveal signatures of Re intercalation. Calculations suggest an increase in out-of-plane stiffness that inversely correlates with the number of layers as the physical mechanism behind this remarkable observation, revealing a distinctive regime of puckering for 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize liquid-solid friction using molecular dynamics simulations, Bocquet and Barrat (BB) [Phys. Rev. E 49, 3079–3092 (1994)] proposed to use the plateau value of a Green-Kubo (GK) integral of the friction force. The BB method is delicate to apply in finite-size simulations, where the GK integral vanishes at long times. Here, we derive an expression for the GK integral in finite-size systems, based on a Langevin description of a coarse-grained system effectively involving a certain thickness of liquid close to the wall. Fitting this expression to GK integrals obtained from simulations of a liquid slab provides the friction coefficient and the effective thickness of the coarse-grained system. We show that the coarse-grained system for a Lennard-Jones fluid between flat and smooth solid surfaces is 2–3 molecules thick, which provides a criterion for measuring the friction coefficient independently of confinement. As compared to nonequilibrium simulations, the new approach is more accurate and removes some ambiguities of nonequilibrium measurements. Overall, we hope that this new method can be used to characterize efficiently liquid-solid friction in a variety of systems of interest, e.g., for nanofluidic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the replacement of hard chrome plating by applying the duplex system plasma nitriding + CrN coating (hereinafter referred to as PN + CrN). The goal of the research was to find a suitable alternative for steel surface treatment that would replace hard chrome plating and ensure similar mechanical and tribological properties. An exposed part of a small-bore weapon was selected for evaluation, namely the gas piston of the 42CrMo4 steel breech mechanism drive. The PN + CrN duplex system was compared with a hard chrome coating as well as a self-deposited CrN coating. The mentioned surface treatments were evaluated in terms of metallography, mechanical and tribological properties and surface texture. From the mechanical properties, the hardness of the surface was analyzed, an indentation test was performed (Mercedes test) and adhesive-cohesive behavior was evaluated (Scratch test). Furthermore, an instrumented penetration test was performed (an evaluation of plastic and elastic deformation work and indentation hardness). As part of the assessment of tribological properties, the Ball-on-Flat test, the measurement of the coefficient of friction and the measurement of traces of wear were performed. The surface texture was evaluated in terms of morphology and surface roughness measurement by selected 2D and 3D parameters. The PN + CrN duplex system showed higher hardness than hard chrome, better tribological properties (lower friction coefficient), but worse surface texture. The PN + CrN duplex system has proven to be a suitable alternative to the hard chrome coating for exposed parts of small-caliber weapons, which can be applied in arms production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of a lubricant to reduce friction and increase machine efficiency is one of its main functions. However, a standardized test to measure the ability of a lubricant to reduce friction does not exist. In this work we take a common tribometer and design a test sequence to allow the friction reduction of any lubricant to be measured and rated, quickly and accurately. The kinematic viscosity values at 40 and 100 °C for the lubricant, along with the density, are used to calculate appropriate entrainment speeds to maintain a constant test severity for each lubricant. A set sliding distance is determined experimentally to ensure that the metal surfaces are run in and that a stable tribofilm is formed at both temperatures. The lubricants are then rated in terms of their ability to maintain low friction in the boundary, mixed, and full film regimes. The proposed method has been designed ensuring good repeatability, across a range of common lubricants (engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils). This new method simplifies friction measurement and rating of lubricants using Stribeck curves, supporting the development and qualification of new lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sliding‐induced friction behavior of a single‐asperity silica probe against few‐layer (FL) graphene and bulk graphite is measured in the presence of n‐hexadecane using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The load‐dependent nanoscale friction measurements display friction hysteresis, i.e., higher friction forces during unloading of the contact than loading, at a given normal load. However, unlike hysteresis in friction of graphene measured in ambient, several unique trends are observed when the contact is immersed in n‐hexadecane. First, the friction hysteresis is measured up to a transition load and beyond which is found negligible; second, a similar behavior is observed on bulk graphite; and third, a friction strengthening of the contact persisted up to several nanometers. Quasi‐static force‐separation curves identify up to four layers of n‐hexadecane solvation layers on graphitic surfaces. Molecular dynamic simulations illustrate that the solvated n‐hexadecane molecules within the contact carry the probe load and determine the generated contact area, affecting friction hysteresis. Further, during AFM probe sliding, instead of a pucker, a molecular pile‐up of n‐hexadecane, in front of the tip is observed. These findings provide new perspectives on understanding of the dissipation mechanisms of graphene that predominantly are surrounded by structured liquid molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface dynamic and static coefficient of friction of yarns is one of the most important means of characterizing the surface structure of yarns and can provide an important basis for yarn performance evaluation and quality monitoring. The lack of highly stable, high precision and low-cost instruments for measuring the dynamic coefficient of friction of yarns is a major constraint to yarn performance evaluation and performance improvement. The entanglement method calculates the coefficient of friction between yarns by measuring the input and output tensions on both sides of the yarn at its own kink point, which is easy to use and highly accurate. Based on this, a yarn dynamic friction coefficient measurement system was developed based on the kink principle and the measurement error was evaluated using 28tex cotton yarn and 420 D polyester yarn in turn. After five repeatability tests using 28tex cotton yarn, 36tex aramid and 420 D polyester, the coefficient of friction between the three yarns themselves fluctuated by less than 0.01 and the instrument showed good stability and repeatability. In six comparative tests with the CTT constant tension transfer system from Lawson, USA, the inter-group CV of the coefficient of friction between the yarns themselves was only 3.66% after six tests. A final comparison of the data from the entanglement and the Rhodes method tests shows that the coefficients of friction obtained show the same trend. The yarn running speed and pre-tension are adjustable and the system has a timed test function, which allows the input and output tensions of the yarn and the dynamic coefficient of friction between the yarn and the yarn to be measured and displayed in real time. This improves the measurement accuracy, reduces the price of the product and helps to evaluate the surface properties of yarns and improve product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving operating conditions and reducing the friction-related power losses of hydrodynamic journal bearings could lower emissions and contribute to efforts for a faster green transition. Experimental studies play an important role in evaluating and improving the performance of plain journal bearings. The concept of the experimental setup for friction measurements of journal bearings is well defined in the relevant standards, but the actual design is always left to the researchers conducting a particular study. Our study reveals that common practical assumptions about the frictional power losses caused by components of the experimental setup can lead to misleading conclusions about the measured coefficient of friction. The research premises were tested on the developed experimental setup using two methods for measuring the coefficient of friction and different load interfaces. In particular, the direct torque measurement using strain gauges on the shaft demonstrated the strongest correlation with theoretical values. However, the result was affected by the correct evaluation of the frictional losses of the support ball bearings. Conversely, the Stribeck curves showed that the combination of the indirect cantilever method and load interface with direct radial force application led to inferior results. The intricate interactions between setup components and unknown frictional conditions made straightforward geometric corrections challenging. The study encourages researchers in the field to critically assess their experimental setups and to rely on their own assessment of frictional losses. [Display omitted] • Measurements with shaft torque transducer are the least affected by the setup configurations. • Setup with cantilever transducer requires an interface load rolling bearing. • Interface bearing should be selected with respect to load and measured friction torque. • Numerical correction cannot compensate for a poor design of the experimental setup. • Assumptions about power losses should be avoided when designing an experimental setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We utilized sodium alginate and dopamine copolymers as a functional platform for grafting SBMA to obtain a surface coating. • The swelling and nanomechanical properties of brushes were investigated based on the AFM technique. • The adhesion and friction coefficient of the pDASA-SBMA brush coatings can be reduced by 80 % and 91 %, respectively. Clinical applications of interventional catheters suffer from poor lubricity and nonspecific protein adhesion, which can cause severe damage to soft tissues and even life-threatening injuries. With the proposed strategy in the grafting of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) zwitterionic polymer brushes using dopamine (DA) and sodium alginate (SA) as an intermediate layer, the pDASA-SBMA brush coatings with a controlled increase in density and thickness were prepared by tuning the grafting time. Based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique, we systematically investigate the effect of variations in structural parameters on the swelling and nanomechanical properties of brushes. In particular, the dependence of the lateral deformability of brush chains on structural parameters and the viscoelastic relaxation behavior of the brush chains to recover their equilibrium conformation after deformation are elucidated, both of which have an impact on friction measurements. The experimental results show that the coating adhesion and friction coefficient in pure water decrease with the increase in grafting time, which is caused by the increase in hydration lubrication capacity of dense and thick brushes, as well as the weakening of lateral deformability. With the grafting of 24 h, the adhesion and friction coefficient of the coating can be reduced by 80 % and 91 %, respectively, compared to the unmodified surfaces. With the significant friction reduction and anti-adhesion effects, the proposed surface coating technique can find versatile applications in high-performance interventional catheters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed high-frequency (0.4–1.7 MHz) measurements of the internal friction (IF) on 14 bulk metallic glasses (MGs). It is found that 12 of these MGs display relaxation IF peaks at temperatures ≈ 400–500 K, which are weakly affected by heat treatment within the amorphous state. The corresponding relaxation time is about 0.3 μ s. This fast relaxation is reported for the first time in the literature. The apparent activation enthalpy for 4 MGs is determined. It is shown that if measured at a low frequency of 1 Hz, these IF peaks would appear near room temperature or by 30–50 K below it. Thus, the IF peaks found in the present investigation are direct analogues of low-temperature/low-frequency β ′ - and/or γ -relaxations described in the literature. It is argued that the origin of these IF peaks is related to the relaxation of structural defects similar to dumbbell interstitials, which are frozen in solid glass from the liquid state upon melt quenching. These defects can be considered as elastic dipoles and their re-orientation in the applied stress provides anelastic deformation and corresponding IF peak. After correction for temperature dependence of the shear modulus, the true activation enthalpy (0.62–1.08 eV) and activation entropy (4 ≤Δ S ∕ k B ≤15) for defect re-orientation are determined. • High-frequency (0.4–1.7 MHz) internal friction (IF) measurements are performed. • IF peak located at 400–500 K is found in 12 metallic glasses. • The relaxation time corresponding to this peak is about 0.3 μ s. • Corresponding activation enthalpy and activation entropy are determined. • The origin of the IF peak is supposed to be due to defect re-orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the aspects of energy efficiency and durability have become increasingly important in the development of technical systems. From a tribological point of view, these are often linked to the reduction of wear and friction. When testing new materials, coating systems or lubricants, the underlying mechanisms and physical relationships are investigated by the deployment of simplified model tests. Advanced commercial test rigs allow high-resolution measurement of important friction and wear parameters, but also entail a considerable cost and thus a certain entry barrier to deal further with tribological aspects. In many research projects, therefore, self-developed test rigs are used, which at the same time, however, makes comparability and reproducibility with other systems considerably more difficult. For this reason, we have developed a pin-on-disc tribometer based on the open hardware approach, which can be completely additively manufactured by fused filament fabrication. In addition to presenting the customizable measurement system, we investigated the measurement capability using 50 repeated measurements on two different tribological test systems. The reproducibility of the measured values was 0.4 % and 1.1 % for friction and 0.6 % and 1.0 % for wear and was thus considerably lower than the standard deviation in the tests on a single tribometer, which was up to 7.7 % and 16.1 % for friction and wear, respectively. So, the presented tribometer can be used, for example, to perform high throughput tests and thus to detect systematic correlations, e.g., in combination with machine learning approaches. Another area of application is training and education of students and professionals. [Display omitted] • Open hardware based additively manufactured tribometer shows high reproducibility. • Robust statistical evaluation is crucial for meaningful wear tests. • Even a minimally deviating test setup leads to significantly different results. • Cost-effective test setup reduces the barrier to entry into tribological testing. • The possible throughput is raised to a new level by the easily replicable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]