Effect of Surface Waviness in Sliding Behavior of Engineering Surfaces

The role of surface microtopography in tribological processes is examined by a number of theories and studies. In industrial practice, surface quality requirements rely on standards separating waviness and roughness. In our wear tests, the dry friction of steel-ferrodo contact pairs was examined at various load levels and different initial machining, continuously monitoring the friction behaviour of the contact pair. In the course of the wear process, microtopography developments were traced, the roughness and waviness of initial surfaces was examined. The dimensions of the real contact area were examined by analytic models; in the knowledge thereof, the effect of waviness on the friction coefficient was explored and design proposals were formulated.