Dynamic Relaxation Processes in Steel Friction Under the Action of Heat Treatment

The effect of external dry friction of carbon steel on substructural changes, which control dynamic-stress relaxation processes, which determine the dissipation properties of frictional contact, has been studied by the method of amplitude-dependent internal friction. It has been shown that the key dynamic hardening mechanisms of relaxation change with change in steel structure as a result of heat treatment and depending on the load and speed conditions of friction. The formation of the relaxation (dissipation) ability of steel during friction is affected by the initial saturation of the solid solution with interstitial impurity atoms and by the amount and morphology of precipitates; this influences the diffusion activity of interstitial atoms, dislocation mobility and the possibility of viscous flow at interfaces. The research results show that the dissipation ability (energy content) and wear resistance of steel can be increased by the realization of dynamic mechanisms of stress relaxation directly during friction.