Fretting damage parameters in splined couplings

This work focuses on the analysis of the debris found in the lubrication oil produced by the wear abrasion during wear tests conducted on crowned splined couplings. During each test the presence and the dimensions of the debris in the oil have been monitored. Tests have been performed by means of a dedicated splined couplings test rig and they have been performed by imposing an angular misalignment on the axes of the components. Results shows that when these components work in misaligned conditions, the relative motion between engaging teeth brings to the rise of a wear phenomenon called fretting wear.