This paper describes the design and operation of a high-pressure shear cell
(HPSC) capable of pressing granular material against candidate wear surfac
es at macroscopic pressures of up to 700 MPa. The wear surface is then forc
ed laterally yielding information about coefficient of friction and wear me
chanics during slip at the surface. This pressure covers the range commonly
experienced in many mining operations, including those involved in ore cru
shing.
Recent results using the shear cell to crush quartz against test tiles of N
i-hard 4 steel are described. Results for coefficient of friction and three
body abrasion are reported. Wear results are quantified and compared in te
rms of contact profilometry and non-contact profilometry involving reflecte
d light confocal microscopy. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights rese
rved.