Thermal diffusivity mapping of friction surface using photo-thermal technique

In this paper, both theory and experimental setup of the photo-thermal tech nique are presented. Based on this technique, two measurement methodologies are available: phase shift method and temperature change method, However o nly the experimental results from the phase shift method are presented in t his paper. The measurements can be performed at any, radial direction on a sample surface. This technique appears to be a successful method for measur ing the variation of surface thermal diffusivity of various materials. An a utomated platform has also been developed and integrated into the technique to measure and map the variation of surface thermal diffusivity of a mater ial. This technique can be used to detect any, surface thermal defects of a material. It is also useful in studying the surface temperature distributi on of a heat application material. One of its applications is on the study of friction. The temperature increase of a friction material subjected to a sliding process is influenced by its thermal property, at the sliding inte rface. The thermal diffusivity mapping of a rubbing surface may, help in pr edicting its surface temperature distribution and in studying the thermal b ehavior of a friction interface.