Analysis of the high speed sliding interaction between titanium alloy and tantalum

Dry friction under extreme conditions between tantalum and titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) was analyzed by using a finite element model of asperity interaction. To combine high sliding speed and high normal pressure, an experimental set-up based on a ballistic device with air gun launch, is presented. A single friction pass is realized at 38 m/s to understand the initial stage of the friction and wear process. Contribution of the interface mechanical phenomena on the rough surface contact is investigated through a finite element approach considering the contact at the scale of asperities. A thermo-viscoplastic model coupled with damage law is proposed to explore the micro-contact conditions. Experimental observations obtained by light white profilometer are conducted to correlate the modeling.