Analysis of the Tribothermal and Mechanical Behavior of Copper-Steel and Brass-Steel Sliding Couples

This article deals with a comparative study of the thermomechanical behavior of copper-steel and brass-steel tribological couples, as a function of functional parameters: contact mode, dynamic torsor, contact kinematics and the materials making up the tribosystem. For this purpose, friction and wear tests were carried out using a pin-disc tribometer, in an atmospheric environment. This consists of a copper or brass pin rubbing dry against a rotating steel disc. A Comsol Multiphysics numerical code was used to evaluate contact temperature, mechanical stresses and deformations at the interface of the pairs. The results obtained show that the above-mentioned parameters have a significant influence on the tribomechanical and thermal behavior of the two couples. Indeed, the dissipation of heat by sliding modifies the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the materials, and promotes the oxidation process. In addition to the formation of oxides, the mutual material transfer mechanism plays a key role in the friction and wear of the couples. The discussion of the results is based on macroscopic and microscopic observations of worn surfaces and the interfacial phenomena resulting from sliding.