Computer Controlled Tribometer

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Project number:

Period: 2007 - 2011

Summary: Friction represents the motion resistance of two surfaces in contact and significantly determines the characteristics of many technical systems and elements. There are numerous examples, with both useful and harmful effects.

The coefficients or forces determine friction, and with thorough knowledge of them, systems or products affected by friction can be considerably improved. This can be achieved through better construction and materials, or even with better control methods, which is particularly emphasized currently.

Experimental analysis is the only way to obtain reliable information about friction coefficients and forces. Special machines—tribometers—are typically used for this purpose. In most cases, tribometers are oriented toward static friction analysis, where the general conditions of friction remain unchanged during testing. However, dynamic and variable conditions can also be of particular interest, such as when normal force or relative velocity changes rapidly, or in the study of other transient friction phenomena like hysteresis or the Stribeck effect.

For such experiments and testing procedures, this project proposes the development of a numerically controlled machine for friction analysis, characterized by very fast dynamics, high accuracy, versatility, and automation of measuring procedures. These features will be made possible by fast servo-drives, precise measuring equipment, the ability to change sliding pairs, and specifically developed control algorithms and measurement procedures.