Scuffing performance of brass-cast iron contact pair in hydraulic fluids

Authors: LORENZO-MARTIN, C - Argonne National Laboratory; OYELAYO, AJAYI - Argonne National Laboratory; Biresaw, Girma; Bantchev, Grigor; Harry O Kuru, Rogers

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/6/2018
Publication Date: 5/19/2019
Citation: Lorenzo-Martin, C., Oyelayo, A.O., Biresaw, G., Bantchev, G.B., Harry O Kuru, R.E. 2019. Scuffing performance of brass-cast iron contact pair in hydraulic fluids [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Annual Meeting & Exhibition, May 19-23, 2019, Nashville, TN.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Efficiency of a hydraulic fluid power system can be increased by operating at higher pressures. Similarly, size reduction in the system will require higher power density and operation at higher pressures. Such operating conditions makes sliding components in hydraulic pumps susceptible to scuffing failure. This paper presents scuffing performance evaluation of bronze and cast-iron sliding contact pair in fully formulated commercial hydraulic fluid and several experimental composite fluids. Using a step load increase test protocol, scuffing was observed to occur in the commercial fluid and polyalphfaolefin (PAO) basestock. Scuffing resulted in severe plastic deformation and roughing of the bronze material contact area. In composite fluids consisting of PAO and bio-based phosphonate ester fluid, only polishing wear was observed even after very high contact loads. Results of the present study suggest composite fluids are potential candidates for scuffing prevention in hydraulic pumps operating at high pressure.