Abstract
The ball‐crater micro‐scale abrasive wear test can be applied to coated samples and small bulk samples. The surface condition of the ball influences the magnitude and the reproducibility of the measured wear coefficient. Use of a polished new ball in the test may give uncertain or anomalously low wear coefficients, particularly for relatively soft specimens. This effect is explained in terms of the ease of entrainment of abrasive particles into the contact area. Reproducible results are obtained with pre‐conditioned balls with slight surface pitting, and the use of such balls is recommended for routine testing.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
K.L. Rutherford and I.M. Hutchings, Surface and Coatings Technology 79 (1996) 231.
K.L. Rutherford and I.M. Hutchings, J. Testing and Evaluation 25 (1997) 250.
I.M. Hutchings, in: New Directions in Tribology, ed. I.M. Hutchings (Mechanical Engineering Publications, Bury St. Edmunds, 1997) pp. 269–280.
Å. Kassman, S. Jacobson, L. Erickson, P. Hedenqvist and M. Olsson, Surface and Coatings Technology 50 (1991) 75.
M.G. Gee, private communication, 1997.
K.L. Rutherford, New methods for characterising abrasion and erosion resistance, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Cambridge, UK, 1996.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Allsopp, D., Trezona, R. & Hutchings, I. The effects of ball surface condition in the micro‐scale abrasive wear test. Tribology Letters 5, 259–264 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019178716408
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019178716408