Experimental procedure and parameters involved in fretting-fatigue tests

From the research activity on fretting fatigue carried out in the DMTI Department of the University of Florence, a consistent set of fretting fatigue results is reported. The experimental conditions and some metallurgical evidence are descrive. The representative variables are defined by introducing a tribological model, which is calibrated using experimental data. The model is used to represent and interpret the observed fretting behaviour and to provide relationships between the relevant variables, in particular between the parameters controlling the test and the associated local conditions which determine fretting action in the contact area. In addition, the resulting reduction in life is discussed within the framework of a general interpretation of the experimental results.