In components under cyclic loads contacts, micro-slip movements lead to a local change in the coefficient of friction (coefficient of friction development), knowledge of which is essential for the consideration of numerous effects (fretting fatigue, vibration wear, rolling bearing migration, transmission capability, contact stiffness).
In addition, the reserves of the components in the drivetrain are already largely exhausted by extensive calculation rules that take many effects into account, so that the only way to further increase performance is to optimize the frictional contacts. There is a need for research into established design specifications here, as the coefficient of friction in particular is a frequently cited uncertainty factor.
A simulation method developed and validated at IKAT makes it possible to map the friction coefficient that actually occurs in cyclically stressed component contacts. In a standardized model test procedure with simple test specimens, a defined cyclic contact load (surface pressure and slip amplitude) is used to determine a local friction coefficient-friction work curve, which is assigned to the contact nodes of the FE component model.
In an iterative FE simulation cycle, the development of the coefficient of friction at each node over time due to friction work is calculated. In this way, both the local friction coefficient distribution in the contact and the development of the friction coefficient over time are realistically mapped and provide friction values for the design of the component contact.