An investigation of fretting behaviour of several metallic materials undergrease lubrication

Fretting wear tests under grease lubrication have been carried out on an al uminium alloy, 52100 steel and low-alloy steel. The sphere-flat contact con figuration is used. The influence of the displacement amplitude and normal load is investigated. Comparison between dry and lubricated contact of alum inium alloy, between 52100/52100 steel and 52100/low-alloy steel contact wi th grease lubrication has been carried out. Results show that grease lubric ation strongly affects fretting behaviour. Base oil that separated from the grease during friction may result in accelerated contact wear by fretting. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.