A study of the galling of two steels using two test methods

• Published in: Wear Vol. 122; no. 2; pp. 207 - 223
• Main Authors: Swanson, P.A., Ives, L.K., Whitenton, E.P., Peterson, M.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.1988
• Subjects: steel; wear
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/0043-1648(88)90078-6

In this study, the galling behavior of two heat-treated steels, AISI 1541 and 8620, was investigated. Two laboratory tests were used. The first utilized a sphere-on-flat contact geometry and the second a flat-on-flat geometry. The galling damage that was generated was measured by using a stylus profilometer to collect a series of parallel profiles through the damage zone. The maximum peak-to-valley distance for each profile was calculated and the average of this parameter was then used to quantify the amount of galling that was produced. This measurement technique enabled us not only to assess the galling behavior of the test materials but it also allowed us to determine the variability inherent in each test method. Significantly less damage was obtained for carburized 8620 on “as-quenched” 1541 steel than was observed when the quenched 1541 steel was tested under self-mated conditions. The greatest amount of damage was generated when hot-rolled 1541 steel was run against itself. Possible reasons for these results are reviewed.