Estimation of thermal stress at the interface of sliding in a pin on disc tribometer using finite element approach

Abstract

Finite Element Method (FEM), introduced at the end of sixties, is used for solving engineering problems by mathematical formulations. The present study estimates the thermal stresses and temperature distribution induced at the contact surface during frictional sliding. The pin on disc tribometer is modelled as per ASTM G99 in ANSYS Workbench simulation software with the help of User Defined Function (UDF). Aluminium alloy 6061 coated with Yttrium stabilized zirconia is used for the analysis where the alloy is subjected to continuous sliding motion against aluminium oxide disc material. User Defined Results are employed in this analysis for the determination of thermal stress generated at the contact surface during frictional sliding. Temperature distribution is determined and is represented in contours.