Development of Fundamental Understanding of Friction and Wear Mechanisms byAtomic-Scale Tribological Studies of Ceramic Materials and Multilayered Thin Films

摘要

Objective of the ongoing research program is to develop fundamental understandingof the friction and wear mechanisms through atomic-scale and micro-scale tribological studies of bulk ceramic materials and multilayered thin films in dry and boundary-lubricated conditions. We are studying the friction, scratching/wear and indentation behavior of engineering surfaces on atomic and microscales using on atomic force microscope (AFM)/ friction force microscope (FFM) and a nanoindenter. For comparisons, we are also conducting macro friction and wear tests on selected test specimens using a conventional pin-on-disk tribotester. Ceramics with various crystalline structures and multilayered thin films with a range of thicknesses and mechanical properties are planned for studies. Effect of thin layers of bonded and unbonded lubricant films on selected samples will be studied. A multiasperity contact model is being developed to predict the friction and wear for a multilayered solid in contact with another solid surface. The input to the model will be the measured micromechanical properties and 3-D surface topography statistics.