Numerical Simulation of the Evolution of Roughness Parameter During Friction

Surface roughness allows to characterize the surface state and the degradation of materials subjected to different tribological mechanisms, hence the quantification of this important parameter, which influences the behavior of friction, wear and even adhesion coatings in wet or dry environment, is essential. Thereby, the aim of this study is to evaluate the evolution of peaks density “Spd” one of roughness parameters, in a mechanical contact and the effect of the friction parameters namely the load “Py”, the sliding speed “V” and the distance traveled “D” on this parameter. Friction tests were carried out according to the experimental methodology of complete plans 2
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on a steel surface X52 using a tribometer type Ball-Pin/Disc against ball 100C6. The roughness parameters were measured using a 3D laser source profilometer Cyber Technologies SCAN CT100. The results indicate that the applied load is the most relevant parameter that influences the peaks density. This parameter negatively affects the “Spd”. Whereas, the sliding speed and distance “D” had a slight; and positive influence on the “Spd”. The processing of the results a leads to a mathematical model highlighting the peaks density “Spd” as a function of “Py”, “V” and “D” as well as their interactions.