Fretting wear response of a nitrided 316L SS/304L SS interface: Effect of lithium/bore liquid environment

Surface damage evolution was followed by 3D profilometry and several analyses (SEM, EDX, optical observation) were conducted on surfaces and cross-sections. Based on these results, fretting-wear mechanisms in the 304L SS plate and nitrided 316L SS tube were investigated. The first results in dry environment showed that, for δg⁎ <± 120 μm, plane profiles had a “W-shape” whereas for δg⁎ >± 120 μm there was a U-shape. Thus, a W-shape morphology parameter Mw was defined, taking into account the third-body wear volume. Moreover, the worn surfaces of the plane were smoother in solution, and wear was no longer detected on the tube specimens. A modified energy wear approach was then implemented to quantify reciprocating fretting wear rate according to ambient conditions. Finally, two wear mechanisms are proposed.