Stick-slip and wear behavior of ceramic and polymer materials under reciprocating sliding conditions
(2013)
In many technical applications not only the actual friction coefficient is of importance, but rather the constancy relevant for the functionality. Due to inconstant ffiction values, positioning processes can be substantially influenced as well as vibrations can be induced. The appearance of this tribological effect, named stick-slip, depends on different factors such as sliding speed, relative humidity and ambient temperature occurring primarily after long operating periods. Beside ambient conditions the choice of materials in contact is the main influencing factor of an inconstant coefficient of friction during operating. Certain polymers are well known for their stick-slip tendencies in technical applications. These are on the one hand different modifications of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) reinforced with glass fibers, bronze or graphite and on the other hand thermoplastics such as PE (polyester) or Pf (polyimide). The difference between static and dynamic values of the ffiction force is decisive for stick-slip phenomena. Furthermore, the stick-slip tendency of polymers strongly depends on the elastic material properties. Main softening material areas, which can be found in the contact, represent particularly vulnerable areas. The high friction value in the contact area decreases in most cases by increasing sliding speeds. However, beside polymers ceramic materials can also offer tendencies to stick-slip motion. Klaffke et al. already investigated the influence of ceramic materials on the stick-slip behavior in.
Stepping piezoelectric actuators based on the stick-slip effect inherently make use of a friction contact between strator and rotor. This contact defines not only the actuator's performance but also is prone to wear and tear. For broad use, the actuator has to be able to perform around 1 million strokes. To assess the actuator's performance in terms of force, speed, mechanical output, electrical input, and long-term stability under different load- and environmental conditions, as well as different friction partners, a dedicated test-bed for a LSPA30µXS motor by Cedrat Technologies has been set up.