Lubricated wear characteristics of Zn-15Al-3Cu-1Si alloy and SAE 660 bronze

Abstract

In this study, lubricated friction and wear characteristics of Zn-15Al-3Cu-1Si alloy were investigated using a block-on-disc type test machine. Friction and wear tests were carried out at different oil flow rates (0.25 - 3.0 cm(3)h(-1)), sliding speeds (0.5 - 3.0 ms(-1)) and contact pressures (1 - 8 MPa) and the results were compared with those obtained from SAE 660 bearing bronze under the same test conditions. Friction coefficients of both Zn-15Al-3Cu-1Si alloy and bronze decreased with increasing pressure and oil flow rate, but showed no significant change with sliding speed. Working temperature of the alloys decreased with increasing oil flowrate, but increased with increasing sliding speed and contact pressure. the wear volume of the experimental alloys decreased with increasing oil flow rate, increased with increasing contact pressure, but showed no considerable change with sliding speed. It was also found that the Zn-15Al-3Cu-1Si alloy exhibits higher wear resistance than SAE 660 bronze under specified test conditions.