Optimization of several surface treatment processes for alleviating fretting damage of a locking pin

Abstract

The operational safety and reliability of a variable gauge train are affected by the anti-fretting wear performance of the locking mechanism. The main purpose of this study is to optimize the surface treatment process for a locking pin material under actual service conditions to alleviate fretting damage. Based on the two basic principles of surface strengthening and friction reduction, a substrate (AISI 4135 steel) surface was treated by laser quenching (LQ), plasma nitriding (PN), and bonded MoS2 coating. Systematic fretting wear tests were conducted, and the wear behavior and damage mechanism of various treated surfaces were comprehensively investigated. The results indicate that the wear resistances of the LQ- and PN-treated surfaces were significantly improved, and their main wear mechanisms were abrasive wear, delamination, and oxidation wear. The MoS2 coating exhibits the lowest friction coefficient and energy dissipation due to its self-lubricating property, but it incurs the highest wear rate and failure in the form of plastic deformation. Furthermore, the rough compound layer with a high hardness on the PN-treated surface is conducive to the formation and maintenance of the third-body contact at the fretting interface, consequently resulting in a significant reduction in wear. An optimal surface treatment process for alleviating fretting damage of the locking pin is recommended via comprehensive evaluation, which provides a reference for the anti-fretting protection of related mechanical components. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]