Friction coefficient of solid lubricating coating as a function of contact pressure: experimental results and microscale modeling

Abstract The paper presents experimental analysis of relation between friction coefficient and contact pressure $$\hbox {MoS}_2$$ MoS 2 film deposited on {Ti}_6\hbox {Al}_4\hbox {V}$$ Ti 6 Al 4 V substrate in with sapphire ball during reciprocating sliding motion. It is shown that the value decreases increasing pressure. A microscale modeling approach next developed to mimic observations. Representative volume element defined based actual topography outer surface film. Assuming thermo-elastic material properties, calculations asperity level are performed two steps. Firstly, mechanical surfaces calculated. As a result, global load micro-stress distribution obtained. Secondly, for given stress load, thermal providing temperature fluctuation within simplified conical asperity. By assuming microscale, it possible obtain macroscopic as function In end, model results compared data. novel aspects presented lie selection three main factors micro-level defining friction. They topography, microscopic friction-temperature relation.