Effects of Lubrication Upon Plastic-Metal Contact

It is important to examine the contact mechanics between metal surfaces for greater accuracy of guideway motion and for pre-estimates of contact rigidity and damping capacity of mechanical systems. In the present study, the contact of a hard steel ball and a soft duralumin surface is examined, and the effect of lubrication on the plastic contact mechanics is discussed. Frictional stress between contact surfaces plays an important role in the deformation of surfaces. The parameters, which define the state of contact, are estimated in the experiment, taking lubrication into consideration.