A model based on movable cellular automata has been applied to study the sliding behaviour of tribofilms formed during automotive braking. Since it is not possible yet to determine the composition of real tribofilms quantitatively, final verification of modelling results is needed. This was done by preparing artificial third bodies with compositions and nanostructures matching the ones assumed for modelling. Pin-on-disc tests were performed while applying the artificial third bodies to the contact. The results revealed that not only the structure of the third body but also the amount of the applied normal pressure determines the COF obtained by modelling and that much better correlation between experimental and modelling results was obtained while assuming high normal pressures at asperity contacts.
In part 1 it was shown that tribofilms usually are 100 nm thick and exhibit a multiphase nanocrystalline structure. The objective of our modelling efforts was to obtain a better understanding of the sliding behaviour and associated friction properties and to study the impact of internal and external parameters on these properties. The method of movable cellular automata (MCA) was used. The third bodies were considered as aggregates of linked nanoparticles which may decompose and form a layer of granulär material, the so-called mechanically mixed layer (MML), if certain fracture criteria are fulfilled. The basic model structure which consists of Fe3Ü4 nanoparticles with 13 % graphite inclusions was used. In order to assess the robustness of the model the following parameter studies were performed. The pressure ränge at an asperity contact was varied between 15 and 50 MPa. The mechanical properties of the oxide were varied between brittle and ductile behaviour corresponding to room temperature and high temperature behaviour. The mechanical properties of the soft ingredient were varied + 50 % of the properties of graphite. The influence