Rodaggio e scuffing in contatti alluminio/acciaio

The possibility of increasing the scuffing resistance of an aluminum/steel contact through running-in as well as the existence of optimal run-in procedures was shown in a previous paper. In this work emphasis is given to whether the two aspects of topographical modifications and surface layer formation may play different roles in scuff prevention depending on the working conditions of the sliding pair, in other words whether the optimal run-in procedure may be a function of the working conditions. Results show that the protection offered by surface films, and therefore the increase in the scuffing resistance, ceases to be effective when the working conditions involve high sliding velocities. In this case, the run-in procedure needs to favor the highest degree possible of surface conformity.