Abstract

One of the most important issues in dry sliding contact is the frictional heat generated. This study investigates the flash temperatures caused by frictional heating of sliding parallel pairs: a high performance fluoroelastomer composite with a high carbon steel plate. These materials have industrial applications and in particular as the main contacting components within a scroll expander system. The expected flash temperature values of the studied contacts are important to be revealed in order to accurately predict the wear mechanisms associated with excessive contact temperatures caused by sliding friction. Flash temperatures are generated by the asperities contact of the tested materials and the elevated thermal effects. A realistic model which can estimate the change increment of flash temperatures is developed. Initially a numerical analysis is conducted using conventional mathematical methodology. Analytical results of the specific contact using finite elements analysis methods were also produced. The numerical and analytical findings are then compared with physical experimental observations produced with a high- precision thermal camera integrated with a sliding micro-friction machine. In conclusion, maps are produced indicating interesting correlations within the flash temperatures and the experimental conditions. A rational and coherent interpretation of the flash temperature effects on the actual tribological contact is discussed.