New Method of Tribological Testing Lubricants and Antifrictional Additives

A new method of an experimental estimation of antifrictional properties of lubricants and corresponding additives is described. Unlike known methods, the offered one allows to carry out a testing during very short time which is not exceeding 60 s. Mainly, the method is oriented at the comparative test detecting an object leader among the other ones. The method is based on the known tribometrical principle consisting of removal of a rigid constraint of one of the bodies of frictional pair and its replacement by an elastic or solid measuring element sensitive to a frictional force. Frictional force, friction ratio, friction power, temperature and heat caused by a friction have been measured as tribological parameters. The method was put into practice by means of upgrading the well-known Timken extreme load friction test machine. Testing and processing received results are completely automated. Some results of the application of the method and corresponding equipment for tribological testing known motor oils are presented. The tests have shown high reliability and sensitivity of measurements within the scope of the method consisting in the possibility to estimate rapidly small changes of frictional parameters and to provide repeatability of results.