A discussion on the capability of X-ray computed tomography for contact mechanics investigations. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Feikai; Liu, Jianhua; Ding, Xiaoyu; Yang, Zhimeng
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 145(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Contact mechanics experiment -- Area of true contact -- Three-dimensional gap distribution -- X-ray CT; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2020.106167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: The three-dimensional gap distribution and area of true contact significantly affect sealing performance and tribological properties between rough surfaces. Current experimental approaches are limited in their ability to predict the evolution of the gap distribution and real contact area on assembled rough interfaces, particularly on non-transparent surfaces. In our previous study [1], we presented a X-ray computed tomography method to obtain these parameters between non-transparent assembled rough interfaces experimentally. In this study, contacts of higher complexity than in our previous work are studied and accuracy as well as limitations of the experimental method are discussed. Additionally, the experimental procedure and data-processing methods are detailed to help other researchers reproduce this work. Highlights: An experimental method based on X-ray CT is described to study the contact mechanics between non-transparent surfaces. The detailed experimental procedure and data-processing method are provided. The accuracy and limitations of the experimental method are discussed.