Friction damage of aluminium alloys

Damage of aluminium alloy under contact loading is detected in different cases independent of contact configuration and operating conditions. An investigation of two industrial cases is proposed to describe how it is possible to study the material degradation under friction. The experimental simulation of aluminium damage in laboratory conditions is carried out. Two contact configurations are studied in order to reproduce the industrial damage of aluminium alloys. Varying experimental conditions relative to a specific contact body for each test have demonstrated a realistic correlation between damage, test configuration and material properties. Independent of the tribological system, plastic deformation seems to be the major parameter controlling the wear of aluminium alloy under friction in the studied cases.