Thermal and Chemical Effects in High Pressure Rolling/Sliding Contacts

摘要

In a previous report to the Office of Naval Research, several thermal and thermomechanical aspects of tribology pertinent to rolling/sliding contacts were described in some detail. In this final report, there is presented an account of related work on surface chemical reactions occurring at high pressures. A model lubricant system - lauric acid in dodecane - in contact with a simulated bearing surface - thin films of vacuum-deposited iron - was employed in these studies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to detect the formation of species arising from chemical reactions occurring between the acid molecules and the substrate. Details of the experimental technique and its application to the present program are given. (Author)