Analysis of the contact mechanics in machining using a novel high-speed tribometer

A new high-speed pin-on-bar type tribometer has been developed to study the variation of the friction coefficient with respect to the local thermomechanical contact conditions between the tool and the workpiece when drilling C45 steel. The forces and temperatures are measured over a range of pin indent depths and sliding velocities in open and closed loop tribo-systems. The tribometer’s ability to recreate the thermomechanical contact conditions in drilling is demonstrated and the induced surface modification in the workpiece by the tribology testing is studied.