An estimation of friction from the indentation of metals by acute-angled conical indenters

The paper describes a method for estimating the coefficient of friction (COF) between sliding surfaces by an indentation of an acute-angled indenter. The COF estimated by the method is compared with the COF measured by a friction tester. The conical indenter, which is made of WC and has an apex angle of 45°, is used for the experiments. A micro-Vickers hardness tester is used for the indentation tests. The friction tester used is one of Bowden–Leben type. A copper and a 0.45% carbon steel are used for the indentation and sliding specimens. The estimation of the COF is based on the equilibrium equation of indentation, which takes the friction between the contacting surfaces of the indenter and the specimen into consideration. The results show that the estimated COF is approximately equal to the measured one. Based on the results, the validity of this method is discussed.