Finite element modelling of tribological behaviour for contacts with DLC-coating materials and ZDDP tribofilms

摘要

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings have become attractive for engine components due to their capacity for reducing friction and improving wear resistance. Accordingly, it also has begun to be interesting to know whether conventional engine oil additives such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) form efficient tribofilms and how theses tribofilms influence the tribological behaviour. Therefore, using finite element (FE) simulations, the macro-tribological behaviour where DLC-coating materials are involved has been studied. For this purpose, computational tribo-experiments of ZDDP tribofilms on DLC coatings have been performed modifying geometrical and mechanical properties of the ZDDP tribofilms for determining how the contact behaviour and friction are influenced by these properties.