Electrometric Control Method for Processes Proceeding at Boundary Sliding Friction

The results of research of the processes proceeding on frictional contact at boundary friction at a transmission through it a direct current are presented. The research method provided determination of optical and antiwear properties of oils. The three-ball friction machine with a “ball-cylinder” scheme is used for the research of antiwear properties. During the testing, three fixed balls contact with rotating cylinder along individual friction paths. Through the friction couple, an electric current of a certain magnitude and polarity is passed, the change of which is recorded as a diagram on the computer monitor. The antiwear properties were evaluated by the formation time of the protective boundary layer and the arithmetic average value of the diameter of the wear spot on three balls. The optical properties of the oils were estimated from the absorption coefficient of the light stream. The influence of the current polarity on the antiwear properties of oils was investigated for commercial and brown oils of different base basics in the conditions of a change of the magnitude and current polarity passed through the contact of the balls and the cylinder during friction. In addition, the load on the balls changed and the influence of the operating parameters on the formation time of the frictional contact area was estimated.