Wear properties of brass and PTFE–matrix composite in traveling wave ultrasonic motors

• Published in: Wear Vol. 338-339; pp. 385 - 393
• Main Authors: Li, Jinbang, Qu, Jianjun, Zhang, Yanhu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.09.2015
• Subjects: Brasses; COMPOSITES; Debris; Delaminating; ELECTRIC MOTORS; Friction; Motors; Polymer–matrix composite; Stick-slip; Surface analysis; Surface topography; Traveling waves; Ultrasonic motor; ULTRASONICS; Wear; WEAR MECHANISMS; WEAR PROPERTIES; Stick-slip; Polymer–matrix composite; Ultrasonic motor; Surface topography; Surface analysis
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2015.07.007

The wear of a traveling wave ultrasonic motor has certain particularities due to its special drive mechanism. In this investigation, the progression of wear of a brass stator against a PTFE–matrix composite friction material is reported. During 200h of operation, the performances of an ultrasonic motor and the properties of its friction surfaces were examined. Different wear stages were observed. Surface topography and debris characteristics were analyzed to assess the wear mechanisms that operate in different wear stages. Under the imposed operating conditions the running-in wear stage requires 80h. In early period of running-in wear stage, adhesive wear is the main wear mechanism of the friction material. The debris forms a multi-layered, agglomerate sheet. In the second part of the running-in period, the main wear mechanisms change to delamination wear and adhesive wear. The debris piles up as small particles. In the steady wear stage, the main wear mechanism is delamination wear result from fatigue. The debris forms small flake-like sheet but they are rare. Abrasive wear exist in all stages of wear. By contrast, the main wear mechanism of the brass stator is abrasive wear. •The wear process of brass stator and PTFE–matrix friction material is investigated.•The special wear mechanisms of PTFE–matrix composite in ultrasonic motor are studied.•The form of debris is multilayer sheet after 10h and changes to particle after 80h.•Delamination wear is main wear mechanism in steady wear stage due to special vibration.