Influence of permanent magnetic field on wear performance of dry sliding contacts

Results of experimental studies concerning the influence of permanent magnetic field on wear of dry sliding contact are presented. It was found that magnetic field of horizontal orientation is causing temporary reduction of materialʹs hardness. It also facilitates and accelerates removal process of wear particles from the contact zone. Formation of bulges, consisting of accumulated and compacted anti-ferromagnetic material produced by oxidation, on both sides of the wear track appears to be also aided by the presence of magnetic field. Orientation of magnetic field relative to the sliding direction appears to be of significance. When it is parallel to the sliding direction then the surface roughness of the wear track and mass losses for the uncoated plate are on increase. Wear process of carbon steel coating seems to be significantly affected by magnetic field, which is manifested by the reduction of mass losses and decrease of wear track surface roughness. Additionally, presence of magnetic field promotes generation of very fine wear particles in case of a carbon steel coating.