The influence of kinematic condition and lubricant properties on friction in complex slide–roll motion

The paper presents the results of preliminary studies into the influence of selected lubricants (greases) and the variable temperature of the friction joint on the value of friction during complex slide-roll motion. The experiment was carried out for three different types of lubricants: bentonite grease (Benterm 2), lithium grease (GREASEN ŁT4S2), and calcium grease with the addition of graphite (GREASEN GRAFIT) at different temperatures. Tribological investigations were carried out in a roller-plate system at a wide range of plate dislocation velocities and at a constant slip rate; rheological investigations consisted in determining the changes in shear stress as a function of shear time at constant average shear velocity of 50 mm/s. The results showed a significant influence of kinematic conditions on the value of friction. Four different cases of lubricant flow during friction were identified. The least resistance to motion was found when the lubricant was applied in the same direction along the surface of the roller and plate. It has been shown that the greatest influence of the kinematics of working elements on friction occurs at low temperatures, i.e. at -10°C. This phenomenon is closely related to the rheological properties of the lubricant. It was also found that the lubricant thickened with bentonite is the most susceptible to kinematic changes of the friction joint.